Alexander Isak’s name is already a hot topic of conversation ahead of the summer transfer window.
The forward has been in fine goalscoring form for Newcastle United this season with nineteen in twenty-four Premier League matches, assisting five times.
This has subsequently led to the world’s top clubs, including Liverpool remaining on high alert around the striker’s situation, but it would have to take upwards of £150m for Newcastle to even consider a sale.
Whilst Liverpool’s interest in Isak has only become apparent in recent weeks, the Reds will have to meet the Magpies’ high valuation for the striker, as well as staving off numerous interest in pursuit of the striker.
Ahead of what is set to be an interesting chase, we will be looking at five clubs who have held a long standing appeal towards Newcastle’s centre-forward.
LIVERPOOL
LiverpoolFC.com
Arne Slot and Liverpool hold Alexander Isak in high regard.
The Reds’ eagerness to acquire the forward hasnot gone unnoticed in recent weeks following a clear admiration for the striker, but a major stumbling block could halt any potential pursuit.
As Slot plans to revamp his squad this summer, he will have the tough decision of deciding which forwards to let go of.
Whilst Mohamed Salah’s contract situation drags on, it is clear that Liverpool are desperate to keep ahold of their star man, but the futures of Darwin Nùñez, Luis Díaz and Diogo Jota are up in the air.
All three forwards have struggled to set the world alight during this campaign, leaving unanswered questions regarding their long-term futures.
Núñez appears the most likely to depart, due to struggles with goalscoring form, whilst Díaz’s inconsistencies have remained, in spite of a purple patch when Slot first arrived.
As for Jota, injuries have become a habit over his five-year stay on Merseyside and with just over two years remaining on his current contract, a departure could make the most sense for both parties.
In a recent Q+A, The Athletic’s David Ornstein confirmed Liverpool’s interest in Alexander Isak, but a move will only be made if they know he is 100% available.
“They will obviously have multiple options on their radar but the only name I’ve personally heard of so far is Alexander Isak. Liverpool aren”t alone in liking the Swede and will only move if he is genuinely available.”
He also went on to say that the Reds do not want to enter a ‘bidding war’, following the extortionate sum it would take to prize him away from Newcastle.
ARSENAL
Arsenal.com
Arsenal are another club with a long-standing appreciation towards Isak.
The Gunners’ have had troubling issues in their forward line throughout the campaign, and are now down to the bare bones due to several long-term absentees.
Bukayo Saka has remained on the sidelines since December, following a severe hamstring tear, whilst both Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz have been ruled out for the remainder of the season with Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) problems.
Arsenal then suffered another setback when Gabriel Martinelli suffered a hamstring injury during their Carabao Cup Semi-Final first leg defeat to Newcastle in February.
Both Martinelli and Saka are expected to return following the March international break, but their Premier League title hopes are looking bleak for a third-consecutive campaign, with a thirteen-point gap to Liverpool looking almost unassailable.
Mikel Arteta’s side are crying out for a striker with the Spaniard having to use an out-of-position Mikel Merino as the focal point of their attack.
Alexander Isak is the man that Arsenal supporters are pleading for and would almost certainly solve their striking issues, for future Premier League title races.
CHELSEA
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Chelsea’s stance on Alexander Isak hasn’t been as high profile as Arsenal and Liverpool, but they will be in the race, for sure.
The Blues have been mentioned as possible suitors and are believed to be monitoring Isak’s progress closely.
Enzo Maresca is keen to bring in a striker, following sudden injuries to Nicolas Jackson and Marc Guiu with both rumoured to be out until early April.
The Chelsea boss has experimented with Christopher Nkunku in the role, but his days seem to be numbered at Stamford Bridge, with Joao Felix completing a six-month loan to AC Milan in January.
Investment group, Clearlake Capital alongside part-owner Todd Boehly, have been known for splashing the cash since Roman Abramovich handed over the reigns in March 2022, and Alexander Isak could become their next high-profile signing.
BARCELONA
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Spanish giants, Barcelona, are hoping to prize Alexander Isak away from the Premier League this summer.
David Villa recently spoke to Mundo Deportivo, on his former side’s potential pursuit of Isak, insisting for the once Real Sociedad striker, to return to Spain.
When asked on the potential successors to Lewandowski, Villa said:
“There are many strikers. It’s not just who will fit, but who can be signed.”
“Isak is a very good player and knows La Liga. You think of Haaland as a central striker but I don’t know if City will let him go when they just extended his contract.”
“Everyone would like to play for Barcelona.”
Barcelona see Isak as the long-term replacement to veteran forward, Robert Lewandowski, who turns 37 in August, but, the Catalan club know a deal will be difficult to complete.
PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN
Getty Images.
Paris Saint-Germain are attempting to steal a march on other suitors in the race to sign Alexander Isak.
The Evening Standard reported of a potential players-plus-cash deal to Newcastle, derailing their rivals attempts to land the in-form forward.
Goncalo Ramos, Randal Kolo-Muani and Marco Asensio are rumoured to all be on offer in a combined swap deal for Isak, who is valued at north of £150m.
It is understood that Kolo-Muani and Asensio are surplus to requirements, leading to January loan moves to Juventus and Aston Villa respectively, and Ramos can also be sacrificed if Isak was to head in the opposite direction.
There is set to be a huge tussle for Alexander Isak’s signature in the summer, with five clubs taking a clear interest towards the forward.
If Newcastle United fail to return to Champions League, then the club may have no choice but to sell their star man for a lower fee, to comply with the Premier League’s ruling of Profit and Sustainablity (PSR).
Liverpool will continue to monitor Isak’s situation with the hope of being successful in their attempt to land the striker.
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