Arsenal decided to end their interest in Newcastle striker Alexander Isak after discovering that they were not the player’s “preferred” destination, according to reports.
Liverpool have made an approach for the Swedish international, and speaking to TBRFootball, journalist Graeme Bailey said the Gunners’ decision to pursue an alternative to Isak may have been instigated when they heard he was prioritising a transfer to Anfield:
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“In football, there is a belief that Isak or his people have in some way made it known that were he to leave, then Liverpool would be his preferred choice which is why Arsenal moved on.”
“Obviously, we don’t know if that is true but Arsenal are very happy with [Viktor] Gyokeres, indeed they were with [Benjamin] Sesko. Some Arsenal fans will be disappointed that they might not have waited for Isak but the club are not.”
What is the latest on Isak’s future?
Newcastle have reiterated their stance that the 25-year-old is not for sale, but they may have to choose between keeping the forward and signing Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike.
Liverpool have made it clear that they will challenge the Magpies for the Frenchman’s signature if they can’t sign Isak this summer.
Arsenal are close to signing Gyokeres
The Gunners look to have made a good decision by steering clear of Isak based on Newcastle’s current stance, and it appears that a deal for an alternative is now within reach.
Sporting Lisbon have been quibbling over the add-ons in the agreement for Gyokeres, but it appears that negotiations are heading towards a successful conclusion.
Reports in Spain have even suggested that the 27-year-old could have a medical on Friday ahead of his move to the Emirates, but we shall have to wait and see if that turns out to be the case.
In other news, Arsenal have been linked with a surprise move for a €25m rated attacker