Newcastle United move for Liam Delap sets up Arsenal transfer dream

Arsenal could be handed a potential boost in their hopes of signing Alexander Isak this summer, with Newcastle united making a move for Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap.

Isak has been a long term target for the Gunners as Mikel Arteta looks to strengthen his striking options over the off-season. Injuries to both Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz means that Arsenal have been without a recognised centre-forward with both Mikel Merino and Leandro Trossard playing the role.

Newcastle are however determined to keep hold of their star striker who has scored 21 goals in the Premier League so far this season. It’s reported that they’ve set a price tag of at least £150 million.

But they could possibly soften their stance if Eddie Howe has options up front that will negate his exit. One of those could be Delap, with the Telegraph reporting that the Magpies are keen on a summer move for the England U21 international.

Delap has impressed for Ipswich this season despite the team’s struggles. The Tractor Boys will be relegated if they lose to Newcastle on Saturday.

That relegation would activate a release clause of £30 million in the player’s contract, which is bound to gain interest from several clubs, including Newcastle. Manchester United and Chelsea are the other two sides to be linked with an interest.

Delap is not theonly striker that Newcastle have been linked with over the last few weeks. The Magpies are also said to be interested in Everton’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin .

Newcastle forward Callum Wilson is out of contract at the end of the season, but when asked if there’s a chance that it could be renewed, Eddie Howe said: “Yeah, absolutely there is. I can’t write the future. I can’t predict what’s going to happen. I’d never write Callum Wilson off.

"Without a doubt for me. If he can stay fit he’s an outstanding centre forward. He’s got the experience that we would need in that position, the know how of how we play, the pace, the strength, goalscorer, so yeah, we wouldn’t have been able to recruit anyone close to his level I don’t believe in this window who would have been ready to play.”

If Wilson does sign a new deal, and then a transfer for either or both of Delap and Calvert-Lewin is completed in the summer, it would give Howe plenty of options up front. William Osula is also currently in the squad, adding another option. With everyone staying and joining, Newcastle would have five strikers vying for one position.

It could therefore allow Newcastle to let Isak go, which would be a big boost in terms of the Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSRs). It’s a situation that Arsenal should keep a close eye on.

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