Arsenal handed unexpected Alexander Isak transfer boost as Newcastle make 'contingency plans'

Arsenal have been handed an unexpected boost in their pursuit of Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak.

The Gunners have been linked with a big transfer move for the in-form Swedish striker who has an impressive 57 goals in 98 appearances for the Magpies since joining them from Real Sociedad back in 2022.

Isak scored ten goals in all competitions during an injury hit first season on Tyneside, but bagged 25 in all competitions last year and is on course to surpass that tally in the current campaign. His rich vein of form has attracted suitors at Europe's top clubs, with Liverpool and Barcelona reportedly keen on his services.

Newcastle, however, want to keep their talismanic forward and the club and have slapped a reported asking price of £150million on his head in an attempt to fend off any suitors.

Even then, the Magpies would be reluctant to sell and plan on holding contract talks with the 25-year-old this summer.

Despite their clear stance, speculation about Isak's future has not gone away and recent reports claim Eddie Howe's side has a three-man shortlist of strikers who could replace the Swedish international if he were to leave the club.

The Mail claims Newcastle have an eye on Ipswich Town's Liam Delap, but would face competition from Chelsea for his signature if the Tractorboys are relegated, while Manchester United have also scouted the 22-year-old.

Magpies' chief scout Steve Nickson has also watched Jonathan David of Lille and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko this season, with the latter having had admirers at St. James' Park over the last few seasons.

Arsenal are also admirers of the Slovenian striker having missed out on his transfer last summer and football.london understands that the Gunners have continued to monitor Sesko.

The 21-year-old forward has a €70m (£57.9m) release clause written into his contract at RB Leipzig and the latest reports from Germany claim that can be activated this summer, and runs until the end of his deal.

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