Arsenal could leapfrog Chelsea in the race to sign Alexander Isak if Roberto Olabe replaces Edu Gaspar. The 25-year-old striker has been heavily linked with a move to both the Emirates Stadium and Stamford Bridge as he continues to impress for Newcastle United.
Since returning from a broken toe injury, Isak has featured six times for the Magpies in the Premier League, scoring three goals and providing one assist. Despite his best efforts, the Sweden international has struggled to drag Newcastle into the top half of the table.
With the January transfer window on the horizon and Eddie Howe's side some way off the Champions League qualification places, Isak faces a somewhat uncertain future at St James' Park. And, the Gunners could strike while the iron is hot while they look to appoint a new sporting director.
Edu has been placed on gardening leave, with Jason Ayto stepping into the role on a temporary basis. According to Sky Sports Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg, Roberto Olabe has emerged as a 'concrete candidate' to replace the Brazilian.
The report states that the Real Sociedad chief has an 'excellent relationship' with Isak, who he signed for the Spanish club in July 2019. The Swede established himself as one of Europe's most exciting young players in La Liga before joining Newcastle three years later.
Olabe sees his contract at the Reale Arena expire at the end of the season, making him available for free in the summer. While the 57-year-old may grant Arsenal an advantage in the race to sign Isak, the forward has insisted he's 'fully focused' at Newcastle.
Speaking to Swedish publication Fotbal Skanalen last month, as quoted by 90min, he said: "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. I have no thoughts about anything else."
Isak added: "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."
Howe has previously revealed that he's 'desperate' for Isak to stay despite the club's spending restrictions. The Magpies boss said: "I think with Alex he's got a long contract anyway and we have to be really careful regarding our spending due to PSR.
"It's not a clearcut situation. Every decision we make as a football club has a knock-on effect. We, of course, love Alex and are desperate for him to stay at Newcastle for many years and score loads of goals for us, but I don't see a short-term issue with his contract.
"At this moment in time, Alex just needs to focus on his football. Whether that is him saying, 'I'm fine. I've got four years left on my contract, I'm happy at the club and I just want to play my best football'. That is the ideal world.
"But, of course, nothing in football is straightforward, so I'm sure there will be ongoing discussions between Alex, his representatives and the club. Alex can only help his situation by playing well."
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