According to reports, Arsenal and Chelsea have been provided a boost as ‘contract talks have stalled’ between Newcastle United and Alexander Isak.
Newcastle pulled off a major coup during the 2022 summer transfer window as they paid around £63m to sign Isak from La Liga outfit Real Sociedad.
Injuries hampered Isak during his debut season at St James’ Park, but he still scored ten goals in his 22 Premier League appearances.
Last season, Isak was one of the best players in the Premier League as he grabbed 21 goals and two assists in his 30 appearances for Eddie Howe’s side.
The Magpies endured a frustrating summer transfer window and it was feared that they could be forced to sell Isak, Anthony Gordon or Bruno Guimaraes to balance the books as they faced Financial Fair Play difficulties.
However, Newcastle managed to keep their three key players as the sales of Yankuba Minteh and Elliot Anderson to Brighton and Nottingham Forest respectively enabled them to avoid a points deduction.
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In recent months, it’s been reported that Newcastle’s focus has switched to tying down Isak and Gordon to new contracts.
While talks with Gordon are reportedly progressing well, the same cannot be said for Isak.
A report from The Boot Room claims ‘contract talks’ with the Sweden international have ‘stalled’, while Arsenal and Chelsea are ‘sniffing around’.
It is said that the ‘uncertainty’ surrounding Isak will be a ’cause for concern’. While ‘terms are close to being agreed’, ‘talks with the striker have not progressed as smoothly as Howe would have likened’.
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Regarding a potential ‘concern’ for Newcastle, the report adds.
‘Newcastle, it should be said, believe that terms are close to being agreed with Alexander Isak too.
‘Still, talks with the striker have not progressed as smoothly as Howe and co would have likened however. They have stalled in recent months, the negotiations first taking place in Easter.
‘Isak is likely to become Newcastle’s joint-highest earner – matching the £120,000-a-week taken home by Bruno Guimaraes – but issues have arisen of late amid interest from Arsenal and Chelsea.
‘Both clubs are in the market for centre-forwards. London rivals Arsenal and Chelsea looked at Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres and RB Leipzig hitman Benjamin Sesko. Isak has also caught the eye after scoring 21 Premier League goals in 2023/24.
‘Confidence remains, however, that Isak will follow in Gordon’s footsteps. But the concern will be that Isak’s new deal at Newcastle may include a release clause. TBR understands that the existence of such a clause has been a key part of recent discussions.’
