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Arsenal have reportedly shortlisted Viktor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko as striker targets this summer - spelling possible good news for Newcastle United.
It is no secret that Mikel Arteta is hunting for a striker at the end of the campaign. The Gunners ran Manchester City for two consecutive seasons but, despite Pep Guardiola’s juggernaut falling off this year, they remain 12 points behind Liverpool.
Fingers have been pointed towards their attacking options, with Kai Havertz leading the line until his season-ending hamstring injury. Leandro Trossard - a winger - and former Newcastle midfielder Mikel Merino have deputised as a No.9 as Gabriel Jesus also remains sidelined.
Speculation has surrounded Toon talisman Alexander Isak since he established himself as one of the Premier League’s best strikers. An impressive 23 goals across all competitions has led many to label the Swede as the best centre-forward on the planet.
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Toon chiefs are in a strong negotiating position should potential suitors come calling as Isak has three years left on his current deal. Likened to Premier League legend Thierry Henry, links to Arsenal became natural given their need for a striker.
However, The Athletic report that, while Arteta likes Isak, his price tag would prove too much for the Gunners. Gyokeres - Isak’s international teammate at Sweden - and Sesko offer a more affordable alternative.
Arsenal’s new sporting director Andrea Berta is a fan of Gyokeres, who failed to craic the English top flight at Brighton. The 26-year-old has bagged 85 goals in 92 games since a move from Coventry City in 2023.
A hat-trick against Man City in November caught everyone’s eye and a big-money switch could be on the cards, with an £83million release clause understood to be active this summer. Sesko, on the other hand, is five years his junior and has a £58million buyout option.
Alexander Isak ‘loves’ Newcastle United and the city
Newcastle supporters would have been further buoyed by Isak’s comments earlier this month. Speaking to Swedish media following the Carabao Cup final, the 25-year-old declared his love for the club and the area.
"I don't know much, to be honest," he told fotbollskanalen. "From within the club and from our side there are absolutely no discussions. It's just full focus on playing for me. There's not much to say, really. I've commented on my situation and my security in Newcastle several times.
"It's been written how much I love the city and the club, how well I feel there. I'm not thinking about the future. I just want to perform for Newcastle. Now we won the cup, but we want to finish strong and reach the Champions League games. That's where my focus lies.
"There is no reason for me to think about anything else (other than Newcastle). I feel incredibly comfortable at Newcastle. The only focus I have is on playing."
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