The Sweden international's quality would make him an understandable target for Mikel Arteta, who has so far stayed tight-lipped over his attacking plans for the future. Newcastle’s Financial Fair Play troubles have got Toon fans fearing that the club may be forced to sell in the summer.
The inevitable exit of sporting director Dan Ashworth, who helped the club stay within Premier League spending rules in January, may also make Magpies supporters feel queasy about the transfer window.
Newcastle are expected to have more cash breathing space this summer due to the expected sale of fringe players plus the revenue generated by Champions League football this season. That said, the club might still need to sell one of their stars if their back is forced up against the financial wall.
Bruno Guimaraes is thought to have a £100m release clause while Joelinton is reportedly in line to be sold if a contract renewal cannot be agreed. Isak, though, looks set to stay at Newcastle if Eddie Howe has his way.
“He's an outstanding talent and no one connected with Newcastle would want to lose him,” Howe said on Monday. "He was excellent on Saturday [vs West Ham].
“He didn't score in open play but his two penalties were outstanding and his general play was very good. His link play, his athleticism, he looked in a really good place.”
However, the player could of course force an exit. During the international break he conceded that “things could happen” this summer while admitting he had not thought about where he will play next season.
So Arsenal could well grab his signature, but perhaps not solely down to Newcastle’s need to sell amid FFP - at least for this window. Newcastle risk not finishing in a European spot this season, which would impact revenue next summer.
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But it seems Isak will not be sold unless it is absolutely necessary, which right now does not appear to be the case. The Telegraph reports that Howe plans to build a team around Isak, with fellow striker Callum Wilson’s future in the air amid his frequent injury setbacks.
The likes of Guimaraes - linked with Real Madrid - and Sven Botman seem more likely to exit, albeit Howe has underlined that he hopes none of his key men are sold.
That might frustrate Arsenal, but Arteta is rumoured to be looking for a more versatile attacker who has long-term proven abilities as both a central striker and a wide man.
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