Eddie Howe reiterated Newcastle United is determined to keep Alexander Isak at St James’ Park for the long-term future amid interest from Arsenal ahead of the January transfer window, as reported by the BBC following last weekend’s win over Ipswich.
The Swedish striker delivered a compelling reminder of his value with a hat-trick in Saturday’s match, taking his Premier League tally to 41 goals in 67 appearances since joining the Magpies in 2022 for a club-record £60 million from Real Sociedad and bagging his first three-goal performance after landing in Newcastle.
Reports have linked Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta with an interest in the 25-year-old, but Howe made it clear that the club has no intention of letting him leave.
“There’s no part of me or anyone at Newcastle that wants to let Alex go,” Howe said. “He’s very much part of our long-term plans. I know his desire to score goals is second to none.”
With Isak’s contract running until 2028, Newcastle’s manager dismissed speculation about stalled extension talks.
“I don’t think contract talks started, I think that’s the issue,” Howe said.
Despite the club’s ongoing challenges with Premier League Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) and the absence of European football this season, Howe said that Isak is too important for NUFC to fulfill their goals of winning championships and become a steady force in the near future.
“Every conversation I have had about Newcastle concerning his future with him has been very positive,” Howe said. “I would love for him, with the other players, to be the man to contribute towards us winning a trophy. That’s the aim.”
Newcastle will be back in action on Thursday, right after Christmas, aiming at moving up the Premier League table with a win against Aston Villa that could potentially see the Magpies climb up to fifth place if other results around the nation help them.