Alexander Isak has informed Newcastle United of his demands for staying at the club, putting both Arsenal and Liverpool on high alert.
While Newcastle and Isak had hoped to agree on a new contract, that has not yet materialized, and the 25-year-old has made it clear what he expects in order to commit his future to the club.
Isak, one of Europe’s top strikers, has impressed with 10 goals in 15 Premier League matches this season, making him a target for many clubs if he becomes available.
According to the Daily Mail, Isak’s representatives have told Newcastle that they need to offer Champions League football to secure his commitment. The Swedish international has expressed concerns over Newcastle’s progress, leaving him uncertain about his future with the club.
Arsenal has shown interest in Isak and will be closely monitoring the situation, as Eddie Howe’s side is still a long way from securing a spot in Europe’s elite competition. Additionally, TBR Football reported in November that Liverpool is also keeping an eye on Isak’s situation.
However, Newcastle is not overly concerned at this stage since Isak is under contract until 2028, giving the club leverage to demand a significant fee should they decide to sell him in the summer. The Tyneside club paid £63 million to sign him from Real Sociedad in 2022, and his value could now be around £100 million, according to the Mail’s report.
Arsenal is actively searching for a top-tier striker, with Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz currently filling the role. Similarly, Liverpool is also in need of a striker, with Darwin Nunez their primary number nine.
Regarding Isak’s contract, TBR Football’s recent report suggested that his camp was surprised by Newcastle’s approach to contract negotiations. Talks had been progressing towards a potential agreement in the summer, which would have made Isak one of the club’s highest earners. However, complications, including a potential release clause, caused the discussions to stall, prompting Newcastle to pause talks despite Isak’s current deal running until 2028.
