Newcastle United are now in the race to sign a "world-class" striker who is ready to leave his current club this summer, according to a report.
Isak speculation rumbles on
Alexander Isak's heroics at Wembley won't be forgotten in a hurry, with the Swedish striker playing a major role in ending Newcastle's 70-year trophy drought, but speculation about his future continues to rumble on as we edge closer to the summer transfer window.
Arsenal are set to make an "important" proposal to sign the forward, as revealed by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, and there have been suggestions the 25-year-old has now expressed a desire to move to the Emirates Stadium at the end of the season.
With the former Real Sociedad man contracted until 2028, there is little reason to sanction a departure this summer, unless a transfer request is handed in, but that does not seem particularly likely given that he has stated how much he loves the club and city.
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe and Bruno Guimaraes celebrate after the match Related
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Eddie Howe is eyeing a deal for an in-form star once the transfer window opens.
However, Eddie Howe must plan for the worst-case scenario, and a report from Italy has now revealed that Juventus' Dusan Vlahovic could be brought in to replace Isak this summer, having now decided it is best if he parts ways with the Italian club.
Vlahovic's wage demands are too high for the Serie A side, and with the forward unwilling to accept a lower salary, it appears as though he could be heading for the exit door, having also had tension with manager Thiago Motta.
Dusan Vlahovic in action with Genoa's Koni De Winter
A move to the Premier League could be on the cards for the Serbian, with a fee of around €40m - €45m (£33m - £38m) touted, and Newcastle are ones to watch in the transfer race, although Manchester United and Arsenal are also in the picture.
Vlahovic likely to be downgrade on Isak
The 25-year-old is enjoying a decent season in front of goal in Italy, netting 14 goals in all competitions, however, Newcastle's talisman is outscoring him by some distance, having bagged 19 goals in the Premier League alone.
As such, while Serie A writer Siavoush Fallahi has lauded the former Fiorentina man as "world-class" in the past, he is likely to be a downgrade on Isak, much like almost any striker being linked with a move to St. James' Park.
The Newcastle star underlined his importance to the team with his magnificent performance at Wembley last time out, scoring the second in the 2-1 victory, and Howe will be hoping he is eager to compete for more trophies at St. James' Park.
With Callum Wilson's contract set to expire this summer, Howe may need to bring in a new reinforcement at striker, but unless Vlahovic is willing to play second fiddle to Isak, a move for the Juventus striker isn't in Newcastle's best interests.