Ian Wright has voiced his concerns that Arsenal might lose out on signing Alexander Isak to one of their Premier League rivals. The 25-year-old striker, who’s made a significant impact at Newcastle United, scoring 19 goals in 24 appearances this season and contributing five assists, is on the Gunners’ radar as Mikel Arteta seeks to strengthen his attack.
With his contract not due to expire until June 2028, Isak’s stellar role for Eddie Howe’s team has not only helped them secure a place in the top six but also attracted attention from elsewhere.
Newcastle have been firm in their stance that the player is not for sale and have even slapped a £150m price tag on the Swedish star’s head. However, that has not stopped pundits crassly speculating over a possible summer transfer move.
Despite the hefty price tag, the ‘not for sale’ messages and Isak’s own words that he’s happy at Newcastle, the player continues to be hawked around by pundits connected to the ‘big six’.
Discussing transfer speculation on The Overlap with Sky Bet, Jamie Carragher suggested Liverpool could be a contender for Isak’s commitment, a prospect that worries Wright. The Arsenal icon remarked: “With what Alexander Isak has done and who he is, I would buy him for £120m – no danger.
“If we could get him, you need to chase that. I would be devastated if Arsenal weren’t in for him.”
When considering where Isak may prefer to go, Wright admitted: “He would probably go to Liverpool. I’d like to think Mikel Arteta could convince him but look at Liverpool and Arne Slot.”
The discussion around Arne Slot’s impact and aspirations saw a clash of opinions regarding player movements. “Slot hasn’t even got his own players in yet. That seems like a move attractive proposition but again, Arsenal will need to do the work. I would hate it if it was between Arsenal and Liverpool because he would probably go for Liverpool with the way it’s gone for Arne Slot,” added Wright.
Carragher weighed in: “Arsenal and Liverpool will both be in the market for a new striker. I know this will upset Newcastle fans but do you think it’s realistic that another Premier League club could sign Isak? Would anyone be willing to go to £120-130m?
“He’s got three years on his contract so he’s not going to go for nothing anytime soon. I don’t think Liverpool would be too worried about paying that. They made a £110m bid for [Moises] Caicedo before he went to Chelsea. You’re going to get four or five seasons out of Isak.”
Amidst transfer speculation, Isak himself has remained nonchalant. In an interview with Swedish outlet Fotbal Skanalen in November, cited by 90min, he remarked: “Throughout my career, I have never talked about or really commented on the move rumours during the season.
“There have been many such years where it has been talked about. It doesn’t affect me. I am commenting on my situation in Newcastle, and I have never had any problem there. I am fully focused on my task there and that we will have a fantastic season. There are still great opportunities for that.”
When questioned about it, he remained tight-lipped: “I have no thoughts about anything else. The only thing I can say is that a lot of information and rumours often come out. Much of what I read is not true. So that’s about all I can say about the whole thing.”
Newcastle remain keen to offer Isak a considerable contract extension, with his existing deal due to expire in June 2028. A new contract would make him the highest-paid player in Newcastle’s history.
View news Source: https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/120m-no-danger-arsenal-liverpool-31104847
