Alexander Isak to Arsenal transfer latest - Contract stance, rival interest, Paul Merson verdict

Arsenal continue to be linked with a swoop for Newcastle forward Alexander Isak. The 25-year-old was among a number of strikers tipped to make the switch to the Emirates Stadium this summer.

However, the Gunners decided against bringing in a new centre forward - despite selling Eddie Nketiah to Crystal Palace. It left Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus as Arsenal's two senior recognised strikers at the club.

Neither have been prolific so far this season - with Havertz on seven goals from his 17 matches in all competitions - while Jesus has just one in 15 to his name. That has increased speculation the Gunners could eventually re-enter the transfer market for a new No.9 in January or next summer.

Isak is one of many options that the Gunners could consider, with the Sweden international's future at Newcastle uncertain. He has scored in each of his last four matches for the Magpies but he could leave the club next summer. With that in mind, football.london take a look at the latest surrounding Isak to Arsenal;

Contract stalled

Isak has three-and-a-half years left on his Newcastle contract but talks over a new deal have stalled - according to The Chronicle. The Magpies want to tie Isak down a new deal after impressing since joining for £65million from Real Sociedad in 2022, netting 25 times in 40 appearances last season.

Newcastle and Isak were in talks over extending his stay at St. James' Park but those negotiations have stalled and uncertainty is growing over his long-term future on Tyneside. Arsenal and Liverpool are among those claimed to be in the race to sign Isak, who was valued £115million-plus by the Magpies in June.

Merson demand

Paul Merson has admitted he's shocked his old club Arsenal "didn't try to break the bank" to sign Isak this summer. The Gunners were eyeing a new centre forward, but opted to not sign one.

"I'm a big fan of this lad [Isak]," Merson told Sky Sports. "I'm surprised Arsenal didn't try to break the bank for him at the start of the season. I think he was the missing link for Arsenal.

"He can do everything, he can come short, get in the box, he can spread the game.

"That's what you need at Arsenal, so you can get people like [Martin] Odegaard and [Bukayo] Saka on the ball. At the moment, Arsenal are a bit congested and they haven't got that running beyond player who's going to stretch the game. I'm a big fan [of Isak], really big fan."

'No formal move'

According to The Athletic, Arsenal did not make any swoop at all for Isak this summer. It was Chelsea who made 'tentative' enquiries at the height of Newcastle's PSR worries, rather than the Gunners.

Although Arsenal have 'tracked' Isak for years, they haven't yet made a concrete attempt for him. There's concern among the Newcastle fans that the Gunners could come in for him, but that's uncertain.

Isak scored the winner against Arsenal in the Premier League, earlier this month, and his form has been excellent over the last couple of weeks, netting in all of their last four matches.

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