‘Won’t be easy’ - Newcastle United given tough £63m dilemma amid Arsenal transfer links

Arsenal have not made a “concrete” approach for Alexander Isak but are monitoring the striker ahead of a potential summer move, according to reports.

Talk about the Swede leaving has ramped up in recent months following Newcastle United’s slump down the table. Despite the Magpies’ form, Isak has continued to score goals in an injury-stricken side.

The 24-year-old has netted 15 times in the Premier League this season - putting him four behind Erling Haaland for the Golden Boot. Newcastle stumped up a club-record £63million to sign Isak less than two years ago and suggestions have already been made about a move away.

Isak dismissed reports linking him with a possible exit when grilled by the media last week. He told reporters: “Of course, I want to be here in the future. I came here for the project. I absolutely love playing here, I really feel at home. I want to finish this season in a good way for me and the team.”

Italian sports journalist Fabrizio Romano claims Arsenal - who many believe lack an elite striker - are “scouting” Isak. However, the Gunners may be forced to change tack as Toon chiefs have no plans to offload one of their prized assets.

“Alexander Isak is another Newcastle player attracting interest and Arsenal have always appreciated him, even when he was at Real Sociedad,” Romano told CaughtOffside. “They’ve been scouting him for a while and he’s considered a really talented striker.

With the style they have, I think he’s appreciated as a good fit for that style. However, I’m not aware of any direct contacts or negotiations for Arsenal to sign Isak so it’s not something concrete at this point.

“I also don’t see Newcastle selling two or three important players. I think they will have to make a decision on who is the one to leave the club. And with Arsenal, they have multiple candidates who could come in up front, with Viktor Gyokeres one of the names on their list, as well as others. A deal for Isak won’t be easy.”