'Alexander Isak to Arsenal whispers intensify' - Insider drops Newcastle bombshell
Everton's former chief Keith Wyness has suggested Newcastle will have a "big, big problem" in contract renewal talks with Alexander Isak.
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, the 67-year-old – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – claimed the Magpies will have to "break their wage structure" to keep the red-hot striker.
Isak has long been linked with a potential move to Arsenal - and it was widely reported in recent months that Newcastle value him at around £150million.
Eddie Howe's side have tried to tie the Sweden international down to a new contract at St James' Park, with his current deal set to expire in June 2028.
He has hit 19 goals and notched five assists in 25 appearances across all competitions this season.
Newcastle will have to 'break wage structure' to keep Isak, says Wyness
Wyness told Football Insider‘s Insider Track podcast: “This is a big, big problem for Newcastle.
“The rumours still persist about Isak going to Arsenal, they won’t go away.
“I don’t know whether it’s being planted by Arsenal or by agents, I haven’t had any firm confirmation whether that’s the case.
“But nevertheless, it does seem Isak will command the wages and numbers Newcastle will have a problem matching.
“It’s always a double-edged sword for clubs when you say a player is worth £150million.
“Then you have to meet the agent, who wants to be paid in line with that.
“With Newcastle, they are tight on PSR. They’ve got to keep Isak if they are to make any challenge going forward.
“He’s a quality player, he’s the real deal.
“How are Newcastle going to make it happen? They’ll have to break the wage structure.”
In other news, Newcastle beat rivals to winger signing as deal agreed.
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