A win against Wolverhampton Wanderers tonight would lift the Magpies into the top four just days after booking a spot in the FA Cup fourth round. Couple with Newcastle having one foot in the Carabao Cup final, there is plenty of reason for optimism on Tyneside.
Eddie Howe and Isak himself have distanced themselves from transfer speculation this month. The Telegraph reported that Toon chiefs would demand at least £150million to prise the super Swede from St James’ Park.
NewcastleWorld: Essential is our weekly newsletter, delivering the city’s best bits to you inbox - sign up here
As for misfiring Arsenal, who must overturn a two-goal deficit away to Newcastle in the Carabao Cup semi-final next month, their No.9 chickens are coming home to roost. Mikel Arteta decided against signing a striker last summer - a move many Gooners view as a mistake.
The Gunners were lacklustre in the final third again on Sunday as they crashed out of the FA Cup to 10-man Manchester United. Speaking to Prime Casino, former Arsenal captain Gallas tipped Newcastle to only sell Isak if they fail to secure Champions League qualification.
“I know it would be very difficult to bring a big, big player into the team in January,” he said. “Isak from Newcastle? Forget him. Newcastle won't let him go because they need him until the end of the season to try to qualify for the Champions League.
“They're going to sell him if they don’t make it, so Arsenal fans have to forget about him, and think ‘Who else can come?’ That is a problem, especially for the big clubs, everyone knows that you do your shopping in the summer.
“You don't wait and just believe in the squad. You have to improve every single season. It’s been two or three years we’ve been talking about Arsenal missing a world-class striker. People from outside can see what the problem is. How, as a manager, can't you see the problem?”
0 Comments