NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 05: Alexander Isak of Newcastle United scores a goal that is later ruled out by VAR during the Carabao Cup Semi Final Second Leg match between Newcastle United and Arsenal at St James' Park on February 05, 2025 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images)
Alexander Isak's future is set to be a huge talking point during the summer transfer window
Andy Cole has told Mikel Arteta that Alexander Isak will cost more than the £105million the Arsenal boss spent on signing Declan Rice from West Ham.
The Newcastle striker has once again enjoyed an impressive season in front of goal with 19 Premier League strikes to his name, with only Erling Haaland and Mohamed Salah scoring more than the Sweden international. While the Magpies - who sit sixth in the league - are firmly in the hunt for Champions League football next season, much has been made about whether the 25-year-old will remain at St James' Park if they fall short of their European ambitions.
Cole is a player that can sympathise with Isak's predicament given the former striker departed Newcastle in 1995 for Manchester United in a deal worth £7m, which set a British transfer record fee at the time. Speaking exclusively to Mirror Football, on behalf of BetMGM, the five-time Premier League winner showered Isak with praise but claimed a potential exit from Newcastle isn't a foregone conclusion.
"I wouldn't say they're resigned to that fact due to the fact that if anyone wants to buy him, the fee is going to be in excess of £100m, and how many clubs can afford that?" the 53-year-old said. Cole stated that Arsenal will have to break their transfer record - which is Declan Rice's £105m transfer - if they want to secure the signature of the striker that "terrorised" their defence during their EFL Cup semi-final tie at the Emirates Stadium.
"I don't think Newcastle will be too worried about that because they know his value is going to be around £115-£120m," the United legend said. "I enjoy watching him, I watched him against Arsenal in the first leg of the EFL Cup semi-final and I thought he was absolutely brilliant, he terrorised the back four. I can see why people say they remind him of Thierry [Henry]. If he ever ended like Thierry, then bloody hell, he will be some player."
Mikel Arteta looks ahead
Mikel Arteta looks set to make a move for a striker in the summer transfer window
Arsenal have endured an injury crisis across their forward line with Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka, and Gabriel Martinelli all currently out of action. While Arteta targeted Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins and put in a £60m bid for the striker in January, it was swiftly rejected.
The Spaniard has since discussed what he looks for in a number nine, admitting his ideal forward will possess an intense work ethic and strong personality. "A nine that can produce goals, but in the manner that we face a lot," he told Sky Sports.
"For example a lot of low blocks, lots of density in the box and in the manner we play. If he's a great guy - top. If he's very much available - great. If he can produce magic moments - even better. If his work rate is top - let's bring him in."
Andy Cole was speaking on behalf of BetMGM. You could win £250,000 at this year's Cheltenham Festival - click here for more details.
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.