'Irrelevant' - Eddie Howe responds to Newcastle United transfer claim that is irking supporters

Given his likeness to Thierry Henry, Alexander Isak has long been linked with a move to Arsenal. And this week, former midfielder Paul Merson urged the Gunners to “break the bank” for the Swede, who is valued at a reported £150million.

“If I was Arsenal and I had the money I would go out and buy Isak, I’d break the bank for him,” Merson told Sky Sports News. “I think he’s the best of the best and he takes Arsenal to another level.

“I think if they can get hold of Isak, who I think is the best in the business at the moment, I think that would be a massive coup for Arsenal. Sorry, Newcastle fans!”

Merson’s comments irked the Newcastle fanbase, many of whom questioned why the 56-year-old believes Arsenal can pick and choose who they want to sign.

When asked about Merson’s comments, Howe replied: "It's the first I have heard so I need to see the comments but our players are loved by us and wanted by us.

"We have massive games to come and we need them to perform. Their focus can only be on what they are delivering in the here and now, we can only control on what we can control.

"But I don't see that [Isak and Arsenal talk] being an issue for us, especially in this window. We have so many big games to come and we are very focused, and the players are focused on having a great season, that is all that concerns at the moment."

Standout stars such as Isak and Bruno Guimaraes have regularly been talked up as players who could move to a so-called bigger club. But United too have ambitions to compete at the very top as they eye a return to the Champions League and a first domestic trophy since 1955.

When asked if he finds the talk disrespectful, Howe said: “I think it comes with the territory now, to be honest. Maybe in my very early days, that would have maybe left more of an impression, but I think the position that I'm in now, you sort of ignore it and it's irrelevant.

“There'll be so much talk and noise and rumour. You can't control it all - you can't even begin to try, so you just have to ignore it and just focus on the facts."