Arsenal, Liverpool and Barcelona have all reportedly suffered a major blow in their pursuit of Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak ahead of the summer transfer window.
The 25-year-old has established himself as one of Europe's most prolific strikers and has become a fans' favourite at St James' Park since joining the Magpies from Real Sociedad for a club-record £63m in August 2022.
Isak has found the net 58 times in 100 appearances for Newcastle, and he recently became the seventh-fastest player in Premier League history to score 50 goals in the division, doing so after 76 games.
The Sweden international also scored in Newcastle's historic 2-1 triumph over Liverpool in the EFL Cup final last weekend, helping the Magpies win their first major domestic trophy for 70 years.
Isak has now netted 23 goals in 33 appearances for Newcastle so far this season and his magnificent form has increased speculation about his future on Tyneside amid reported interest from a host of top European clubs.
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Newcastle chief refusing to sell 'favourite player' Isak
Premier League duo Arsenal and Liverpool are two clubs who have recently been heavily linked with a big-money summer swoop for Isak; the former are expected to prioritise the addition of a new centre-forward and have allegedly identified Newcastle's No.14 as one of their top targets.
Arne Slot's Liverpool, meanwhile, have been tipped to step up their pursuit of Isak if they decide to cash in on Darwin Nunez, who is believed to be facing an uncertain future at Anfield.
According to the Daily Mail, La Liga giants Barcelona sent scouts to watch Isak play in Newcastle's 1-0 Premier League win at West Ham United just over a week ago, with club president Joan Laporta said to be a huge admirer of the striker.
However, the report adds that Newcastle chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan has told the club's hierarchy to resist any offers for his 'favourite player' Isak this summer.
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Will Newcastle keep hold of Isak this summer?
Al-Rumayyan, the governor of Saudi Arabia's Public Investment fund who are Newcastle's majority owners, is said to be 'sweeter on the Swedish striker than any other player' at the club and is 'adamant' that he will not be sold.
Indeed, Newcastle have not discussed an asking price for Isak as they have made it clear that they do not wish to part ways with their star striker, who still has more than three years left to run on his contract.
Prior to Newcastle's Wembley triumph, Isak stated that he is not currently thinking about his future at the club, but he refused to rule out extending his contract with the Magpies.
Newcastle will boost their chances of keeping hold of Isak if they qualify for next season's Champions League; they currently sit sixth in the Premier League table and just two points behind fourth-placed Chelsea with a game in hand.
Oliver Thomas
