Arsenal have been strongly linked with a move for Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak.
Chelsea have reportedly made an enquiry for Arsenal target Alexander Isak, making a deal for one of Mikel Arteta’s summer targets all the more complicated.
sportrythm.com understands that Arsenal are extremely keen to strengthen the frontline, with the club’s decision-makers acknowledging that they need a killer in the final third to get them over the line to win the biggest trophies.
Isak is one of the players being monitored by the Gunners, though Newcastle are expected to stand their ground regarding their valuation of the Swedish striker.
Making matters doubly difficult for Arsenal is Chelsea’s decision to now enter the race for the former Real Sociedad star, who is expected to cost in excess of the £115m paid by the Blues to recruit Moises Caicedo.
Such a figure is likely to prove problematic for the Gunners at a time when clubs are taking a cautious approach to spending money in an attempt to comply with Profit and Sustainability rules.
Chelsea are believed to have ‘indicated’ their desire to get a deal done, but what does this mean for Arteta’s side? The Blues’ enquiry could well lead to Edu turning Arsenal’s attention to other players being eyed by the club, such as Benjamin Sesko and Joshua Zirkzee.
Sesko recently signed a new deal at RB Leipzig, making him harder to acquire during the current window, though Zirkzee could be an option to explore in greater detail. The Bologna star has a €40m release clause in his contract and is also being pursued by Manchester United.
Discussing his future in a recent interview with Sky Sports, the young attacker said: “After the holidays, we’ll see what will happen. As far as I know so far, I will play the Champions League with Bologna, but I can’t say anything. There’s a lot going on, in the meantime, we’re thinking about finishing the season well, and then we’ll come back after the holidays and see what happens.”
One other alternative would be Sporting’s Viktor Gyokeres, who is in high demand after his remarkable debut campaign in Portugal. The former Coventry City star scored 43 goals and provided 15 assists in all competitions to help his club secure the league title.
Gyokeres is understood to have a release clause worth €100million (£85m) in his contract, which would see Arsenal spend less than they would for Isak but still break their club-record transfer fee.
