Arsenal 'dealt blow in Alexander Isak pursuit'

Arsenal-linked Alexander Isak would reportedly favour a move to Barcelona should he head for the Real Sociedad exit door this summer.

The Gunners failed to prise the Sweden international away from Imanol Alguacil's side in January, with the La Liga side supposedly refusing to relent on his £75m release clause.

Arsenal are expected to reignite their pursuit ahead of the 2022-23 season, though, with a recent report claiming that they have already made fresh contact with Isak's entourage.

However, Sport claims that the Emirates is not the striker's first-choice destination, with a transfer to Barcelona a much more appealing prospect if the Catalans cannot land Erling Braut Haaland.

The report adds that Isak wants to wait until Barcelona come to the table before entering negotiations with the Gunners, and Sociedad may be prepared to accept a lower fee amid his goalscoring struggles this season.

The 22-year-old has only struck four goals in 20 La Liga appearances this season and is under contract at Sociedad until the summer of 2026.