Former Spurs and Aston Villa man in bizarre transfer claim over Newcastle United star

Tim Sherwood believes Alexander Isak was ‘rehearsing’ for Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta during Newcastle United’s narrow win over the Gunners on Saturday.

With fellow striker Callum Wilson still working his way back from a back injury that has meant the England international is yet to make his first appearance of the season, Isak carried the weight of the Magpies leading man in attacking as they looked to claim a third win in their last four home games against Arteta’s men. Isak produced a hardworking display and earned his side all three points when he rose to meet a sublime cross from Anthony Gordon before sending an unstoppable header beyond visitors keeper David Raya. The goal earned major praise from Magpies boss Howe as he lauded Isak for making the most of what he described as the game’s ‘one big moment’.

He told BBC Sport: “I wouldn’t say its necessarily a trademark goal for Alex but I am really pleased to see it. (It was) a brilliant ball in from Anthony and he can give you that on the right with his natural right side, crossing the ball and it’s a great header. I think I’ve seen him do one of those before against Wolves, similar, but I think today’s was a better header. I think it was always going to take that kind of goal to win the game because it was a game of few chances - but the one big moment we took.”

The goal took Isak’s tally for the season to four in ten games and also saw the Sweden international make it 39 goals in 77 appearances since he became Newcastle’s record signing after joining the Magpies in a £63m deal from La Liga club Real Sociedad in August 2022. Despite still having three years left on his current deal at St James Park, Newcastle are believed to be keen to tie down his services amid reports the likes of Chelsea and Arsenal have considered a move for the striker in recent past. With the latter of those clubs struggling to score goals, Isak has been described as a ‘perfect’ signing for the Gunners by former Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur manager Sherwood, who also suggested the Swede would help Arteta’s men become genuine Premier League title challengers.

He told the Betway: "Do you know what worries me about you playing Newcastle? Someone might be rehearsing in front of Mikel, Isak. He's perfect for you. He can play down the left, he can go down the middle, he's an absolute perfect Arsenal player. He might be saying 'if you're looking, I'm here'. Not that he wants to leave Newcastle, but I would suggest he is an upgrade if you want to challenge for the title."