Arsenal comment on Alexander Isak x Liverpool transfer saga before Newcastle United clash

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta believes Newcastle United remain a threat despite losing Alexander Isak.

In the biggest transfer saga of the story, the Magpies sold their star striker to Liverpool for a British record £130million. Arsenal had been linked with a possible move for Isak before his switch to Merseyside.

A lot has been made about how Newcastle have fared since losing the Swede. Three goalless draws from their opening five Premier League highlights United’s difficulties at adjusting to their new frontline.

Mikel Arteta on Alexander Isak

But ahead of this weekend’s clash with Arsenal, Gunners boss Arteta dismissed suggestions Newcastle will be an easy ride due to losing Isak. When asked about his exit, the Spaniard said: “No, because he wasn't playing against Barcelona and what could have been in the first 30 or 40 minutes could be very different to the result.

“I always praise the work that Eddie and the coaching staff have done there and the way they have managed to create such an atmosphere, especially at home, and a very clear identity of playing football. They make it really difficult. We know the test, we know that we're going to have to be much more efficient than we've been lately when we played up there to win the game, and we're going to work on that in the next two days.”

Mikel Arteta on Eddie Howe

Arteta also had kind words to say about Eddie Howe while acknowledging the test that lies ahead. He added: “I always praise the work Eddie (Howe) and his staff have done there. They have managed to create such an atmosphere at home and a clear identity.

"It is going to be another tough test. We know we are going to have to be more efficient to win the game and we are going to work on that in the next couple of days.”

Eddie Howe response

The Toon boss is relishing the battle on Tyneside as he aims for his second league win of the campaign. Howe said at his press conference: “It's always been competitive against Arsenal in the games that I've been here, and there has been an edge to those games because both teams are desperate to win.

“We encourage that. The more competitive we are, the better we play - so we need to bring that side of our game."

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