‘Arsenal hierarchy face fresh dilemma in Alexander Isak pursuit’
Arsenal are facing a fresh dilemma as they pursue a move for Newcastle United forward Alexander Isak.
The Sweden international has enjoyed a stellar Premier League campaign, notching 23 goals in 33 top-flight appearances.
Isak also played a vital role in Newcastle’s Carabao Cup success, scoring on three occasions in six outings, including a goal in the final.
It is no surprise, then, that his services have caught the eye of Arsenal, who are keen to mount a Premier League title challenge next term.
Arsenal unlikely to afford Isak move
The Gunners are eager to add more firepower to their ranks during the summer transfer window to help close the gap between themselves and Premier League champions Liverpool, while Manchester City could emerge as a title candidate once again next term.
| Alexander Isak stats | 2024/25 Premier League |
| Appearances | 33 |
| Goals | 23 |
| Assists | 6 |
But writing on BBC Sport’s live blog [19 May, 12.22pm], Sami Mokbel reported that Isak is at the top of Arsenal’s wishlist, but Mikel Arteta’s men are likely to encounter an obstacle when it comes to cost.
Mokbel says that signing the Sweden international would wipe out the vast majority of the North London club’s budget, making a swoop for the 25-year-old unlikely.
Arsenal and Liverpool lead the race for Chelsea star
The news that the Gunners may not have the financial means to pull off a move for Isak undoubtedly comes as a blow for the North Londoners.
The Sweden international has proven in Newcastle colours that he would have the quality to make Arteta’s side a serious title challenger if he moved to the Emirates.
But while Arsenal could be set to miss out on a swoop for the Magpies’ talisman, Arteta’s men are one of the leading parties in the race to sign Chelsea’s Christopher Nkunku.
The France international is keen on a move to a Champions League club, which favours the Gunners and Liverpool over other interested parties such as West Ham.
Nkunku has scored 14 goals for Chelsea in 42 appearances across all competitions despite facing injury setbacks, while seven of his goals have arrived in the Conference League.
Thanks to his European goal-scoring exploits, the Blues are facing La Liga outfit Real Betis in the final on 28 May.