Fresh Alexander Isak transfer claim as Arsenal linked with Newcastle United star

Eddie Howe says no one at Newcastle United wants to lose Alexander Isak this summer amid the recent transfer speculation surrounding the Swedish striker.

The 24-year-old scored a brace in Saturday's 4-3 comeback win against West Ham United, taking his tally to 18 goals for the season. Since joining the Magpies from Real Sociedad for a club record £63million in August 2022, Isak boasts an impressive record of 28 goals in 58 appearances.

Isak's form, plus suggestions that United may look to sell a star player this summer in order to boost their transfer budget in line with Premier League Profitability and Sustainability Rules, has led to speculation regarding his future.

However, Howe has confirmed that under no circumstances does he want to lose his top goalscorer.

"I thought he was excellent today," said the Magpies' head coach on Saturday. "He didn't score in open play but his two penalties were outstanding and his general play was very good. His link play, his athleticism, he looked in a really good place.

"He's an outstanding talent and no one connected with Newcastle would want to lose him."

Arsenal were regularly linked with signing Isak before his move to St James' Park, and those rumours are resurfaced in recent weeks.

When asked about the transfer speculation last week, Isak told Swedish outlet Expressen: "“It doesn’t affect me that much. It has been talked about many times, in many windows.

“I see it as just such a thing. Everyone knows that summer is coming and if things show up, things can happen, but I actually haven’t even thought about it."