Latest Newcastle United transfer news as Alexander Isak told what to think of Arsenal and Liverpool interest
Alexander Isak before a Newcastle United game
Alexander Isak before a Newcastle United game(Image: Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images)
Jermaine Jenas says that were he in Alexander Isak's position at Newcastle United, he would not consider a summer transfer to Arsenal as the teams are too evenly matched. On the other hand the pundit conceded Liverpool would have a greater pull.
Newcastle sit in a comfortable position with Isak as of now with the star striker tied down to a contract until 2028 and heading into the next Premier League accounting period do not have any concerns over breaking Profit and Sustainability Rules. In fact, the situation could drastically improve if a new contract can be agreed after the player returns for pre-season training.
But this has done little to put a dent in the constant rumour mongering talking up a move to a Premier League rival, specifically reigning champions Liverpool or runners-up Arsenal.
"I do honestly believe that for Newcastle’s best players to leave they’ve got to be stuck in a corner as a football club. There must be no way out from a financial fair play position.
"It’s not going to be because they can’t give Alexander Isak the wages that he wants and it’s not gonna be because playing in the biggest competitions and so on and so forth," Jenas told talkSPORT.
Amongst the four clubs that finished above Newcastle in the Premier League standings last term were the Reds, the Gunners and Manchester City.
The former midfielder deliberated: "City’s not an option for starters, Arsenal and Liverpool are an option but I don’t see the Arsenal jump as a massive jump forward, personally, from Newcastle currently.
"I think those two teams go head-to-head all year round.
"In terms of a football yes, it’s a bigger football club, but in terms of the teams that they have both got currently, for him to leave Newcastle, if I was Alexander Isak this phone call needs to come in from Real Madrid, Barcelona or potentially Liverpool, currently right now.
"I don’t think there are many others that would tempt me to leave Newcastle."
Newcastle eliminated Arsenal from the Carabao Cup at the semi-final stage before going on to beat Liverpool in the final. Arne Slot's side then went on to lift the Premier League trophy in May and in the summer transfer window since have splashed more than £200m on talent as a true show of intent.
Sister site the Liverpool ECHO have previously reported that in spite of this high transfer spend, the Reds still have the financial wriggle room to fund a move for Isak, so an attempt has not been dismissed.
But the Magpies cannot afford to worry over what their rivals may or may not do and instead look to implement their own plan of action.
Two key decision makers in CEO Darren Eales and sporting director Paul Mitchell are leaving with no replacements lined up, which could leave Eddie Howe in the position of negotiating Isak's contract renewal.