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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Peter Fitzpatrick

Alexander Isak 'shocked' by Newcastle stance in major transfer boost for Arsenal

Alexander Isak has reportedly been left unimpressed by talks over a new contract with Newcastle.

That could prove to be good news for Arsenal. The 25-year-old has been linked with the Gunners for several years, dating back to his time with Real Sociedad, and their interest has only grown with his form since moving to the Premier League in 2022.

Isak has scored 40 goals in 78 games for Eddie Howe’s side, including four in his last four games, one of which was the only goal in the 1-0 win over Mikel Arteta’a side at the start of November.

The Swedish striker had looked set to follow Bruno Guimaraes and Anthony Gordon in signing a new deal, as Newcastle look to fend off interest from elsewhere.

However, according to TBR Football, Isak’s entourage have been left “shocked” by Newcastle’s stance in negotiations, with several hurdles emerging.

It is claimed that Isak had hoped to reach an agreement over the summer to make him one of the club’s highest earners, but that has not materialised. Talks over a release clause are also said to have been an issue.

"That's a slightly more complex situation," Eddie Howe said recently when asked if Isak would follow his team-mates in agreeing new terms.

"Regarding contracts, I'm not involved in those discussions day to day. With Alex, he's got a long contract anyway at the football club and we have to be really careful with our spending due to profit and sustainability rules (PSR). It's not a clear-cut situation."

Isak’s current contract runs until 2028 and Newcastle are therefore in a strong position, but it does mean that Arsenal, and other interested clubs, could sense an opportunity.

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