IPSWICH, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 21: Alexander Isak of Newcastle United celebrates with the match ball after scoring a hat-trick after the Premier League match between Ipswich Town FC and Newcastle United FC at Portman Road on December 21, 2024 in Ipswich, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Alexander Isak scored a hat-trick in Newcastle United’s win over Ipswich Town on Saturday (Getty)
Eddie Howe is adamant that Newcastle United want Alexander Isak to stay at the club after the striker was linked with a move to Arsenal.
Isak took his tally to 10 goals in the Premier League this season after scoring a hat-trick in Newcastle’s 4-0 win away to Ipswich Town on Saturday.
Arsenal, meanwhile, are understood to be considering the prospect of signing a new striker and the club remain huge admirers of Isak, who joined Newcastle for a club-record £63 million fee from Real Sociedad in 2022.
However, Howe insists the Sweden international remains part of Newcastle’s ‘long-term plans’.
‘We absolutely want to keep Alex at the football club,’ said Howe.
Newcastle United's Alexander Isak celebrates scoring their side's fourth goal of the game during the Premier League match at Portman Road, Ipswich. Picture date: Saturday December 21, 2024. PA Photo. See PA story SOCCER Ipswich. Photo credit should read: Bradley Collyer/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: EDITORIAL USE ONLY No use with unauthorised audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or "live" services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications.
Eddie Howe insists Alexander Isak is part of Newcastle’s ‘long-term plans’ (PA Wire)
‘There’s no part of me, or anybody at Newcastle, that wants to let Alex go. He’s very much part of our long-term plans. Personally, I don’t see that being an issue.’
When asked if he feels he can convince Isak to stay at Newcastle, Howe said: ‘I don’t think necessarily at this stage that we have to.
‘He is motivated and he wants to do well. He has big aspirations for his career. He is still relatively young and still has a bright future ahead of him.
‘I know his desire to score goals is second to none. Every conversation I had about Newcastle concerning his future with him has been very positive.
‘I would love for him, and other players, to be the man who contributes to us winning a trophy. That is the aim.’
For more stories like this, check our sport page.
Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook,Twitter and Instagram.
MORE: Pep Guardiola reveals why Manchester City let Morgan Rogers leave after Aston Villa defeat
MORE: Why Raheem Sterling isn’t in Arsenal squad for Crystal Palace match
MORE: Shay Given criticises Manchester City for letting four players leave after Aston Villa defeat