Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak has insisted that he is not paying too much attention to speculation about his future amid reported interest from Arsenal.
The 24-year-old joined the Magpies from Real Sociedad for a club-record £63m in the summer of 2022 and has since established himself as a star player at St James' Park.
Although Isak has had his fair share of injury troubles at Newcastle, the striker has still managed score 26 goals in 57 appearances across all competitions, including 16 strikes in 30 matches so far this season.
The Sweden international still has over four years remaining on his contract a St James' Park, but speculation has recently surfaced over a possible big-money exit this summer.
Indeed, a recent report claimed that Premier League title hopefuls Arsenal are considering a summer swoop for Isak, with head coach Mikel Arteta believed to be prioritising the addition of a new centre-forward ahead of the 2024-25 campaign.
© Reuters
What has Alexander Isak said about his Newcastle future?
With less than three months until the summer transfer window opens, Isak has insisted that he has not been distracted by recent rumours, but the striker has refused to rule out an exit from Newcastle.
Speaking to Swedish news outlet Expressen during the international break, Isak said: "It doesn't affect me that much. It has been talked about many times, in many windows.
"I see it as just such a thing. Everyone knows that summer is coming and if things show up, things can happen, but I actually haven't even thought about it."
Responding to reports suggesting that Newcastle considered sending Isak for surgery this summer to correct a persistent groin problem, the striker added: "It was a strange rumour, actually. I don't remember who it came from, but there was no person trustworthy enough to say such a thing. So, that's not true."
© Reuters
Do Newcastle need to sell Alexander Isak?
Isak is regarded as a key player under manager Eddie Howe, who will be desperate to keep hold of the striker and build his squad around the Swede, should he remain in the dugout beyond this summer.
However, Magpies CEO Darren Eales admitted earlier this year that the club may be forced to sell some of their star players if they wish to balance their books, avoid breaching Profit and Sustainability Rules and generate funds for new signings.
Isak is seemingly low on the Newcastle's list of priority sales at present, although it is thought that they could generate a significant sum – in excess of the £63m that they spent on the striker in 2022 – if they were to cash in on their No.14, and the same can be said for the likes of Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton who have also been linked with potential exits.
The possibility of Newcastle failing to qualify for European competition could also persuade key players including Isak to seek pastures new this summer.
As things stand, the Magpies sit 10th in the Premier League table and 16 points behind the top four, 13 points adrift of fifth place and seven points behind sixth spot, while they are only four points behind West Ham United in seventh – the Europa Conference League qualification spot
© Reuters
Who are Arsenal's striker alternatives to Alexander Isak?
Isak is one of a host of strikers who have been linked with a move to Arsenal, but he has only recently been tipped to join the Gunners and Newcastle would be reluctant to let the Swede join another Premier League club.
Complications could therefore emerge if the two clubs were to enter negotiations, so Arteta may instead turn to another of his targets in the form of Sporting Lisbon goal machine Viktor Gyokeres, who could allegedly be available for a cut-price €50m (£42.9m).
Brentford's Ivan Toney and Napoli's Victor Osimhen are two more strikers believed to be high on Arsenal's list of targets, although both players are thought to be valued in excess of £100m.
Oliver Thomas
