'Manager' factor could see Newcastle United star make 'massive' move to Premier League rivals

Playing under a manager that has played at the top level could persuade Alexander Isak to leave Newcastle United and join a Premier League rival. Newcastle’s ongoing battle with Financial Fair Play regulations as led to some suggestions one of the Magpies star players could be allowed to leave St James Park over the coming months to free up funds to further strengthen Eddie Howe’s squad.

Midfielder Bruno Guimarães has been linked with a move to Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona in recent days and the likes of Sven Botman and in-form striker Isak have also been named as possible candidates for a departure.

The Sweden international has been in fine form in front of goal after returning from a groin injury and will head into next weekend’s FA Cup fourth round tie at Fulham with five goals in his last four appearances in all competitions.

The Magpies record signing has taken well to life in the Premier League after joining United from La Liga club Real Sociedad in a reported £63m move in August 2022 and is averaging just over a goal in every two appearances during his first 50 games for the club.

His form is reportedly attracting interest from several potential suitors and McAvennie believes the lure of playing under former Everton and Arsenal midfielder Mikel Arteta could lure Isak to the Emirates Stadium if the Gunners can persuade Newcastle to sell their star striker.

He told Football Insider: “I think he would be excellent at Arsenal. He’s energetic, he’s quick and a great player. Now will decide how good a manager Mikel Arteta is because a lot of things are going belly-up. They’re not winning games they should be and people are finding them out – they need a striker.

"But I think Arsenal will come through it and Arteta is a big manager. Every good manager goes through these things. The fact that Arteta has played at the top level will attract big players like Isak. Isak would be a massive signing at Arsenal, but I’m not sure they’d want to sell one of their best players to a rival.”