Every major club in Europe is looking for a world-class centre-forward and proven goal scorer, but there are precious few candidates right now who are deemed capable of making an instant impact — it’s one reason why Manchester City secured Erling Haaland to a new 9½ year contract earlier this season.
Arsenal’s need for a striker is a long-standing one, not just based on this season’s struggles, and they have tracked Isak for almost two years. He is a natural goal scorer, has excellent movement, and comparisons with former Arsenal great Thierry Henry are valid due to his pace, style and, ultimately, ability in front of goal.
His fitness record has been an issue in the past, but Isak now seems to be over those problems, which makes him even more valuable. So even if Newcastle were ready to offload the 25-year-old, who has a contract until 2028, the likely fee would put most clubs out of the running.
Isak was a £63m signing from Real Sociedad in August 2022 but, with three years left on his deal at St James’ Park, his transfer valuation has doubled at the very least. If any club wants to sign him, the starting price could be as high as £150m.
OTHER RUMORS play 0:55
Hutchison: Liverpool fans crying out for information on star’s contracts
Don Hutchison believes the Liverpool board need to communicate more with fans around the contract situation with Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold.
– Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk has received an initial salary offer of €20m per season from Saudi club Al Hilal. The Reds captain, 33, is out of contract in the summer and admitted on Tuesday that he doesn’t know where his future lies beyond this season. (L’Equipe )
– Incoming Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta is a “huge admirer” of Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimarães and will push to sign the Brazilian this summer. (AS )
– Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi , 26, could also be one of his first signings. (AS )
– Everton will offer 22-year-old defender Jarrad Branthwaite a lucrative long-term contract in a bid to ward off interest from Real Madrid, Manchester United and Liverpool. (TEAMtalk )
– The Toffees are also looking at signing Tottenham forward Manor Solomon , 25, who is on loan at Leeds. (TEAMtalk )
– Tottenham will have the chance to sign Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic for a bargain fee during the summer. (GMS )
– Liverpool, Chelsea, and Tottenham are all watching Feyenoord centre-back David Hancko , with Juventus also keen. (TBR )
– Bayer Leverkusen are confident that star player Florian Wirtz , 21, will extend his contract, despite interest in a €120m move from Bayern Munich and Manchester City. (Bild )
– Napoli are looking to replace Victor Osimhen and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and could make a €40m move to sign Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo . (Arena Napoli )
– Leeds United are set to bring Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips back to the club permanently this summer, after his loan at Ipswich expires. (TEAMTalk )
– Real Sociedad right-back Jon Aramburu is of interest to Aston Villa and Inter Milan at around €15m. (GMS )
– Udinese centre-back Oumar Solet , 25, has impressed since his free transfer three months ago and has attracted attention from other Serie A clubs Inter Milan and Napoli. (Nicolo Schira )
