Alexander Isak to Arsenal takes twist after 'two contract demands' revealed

Arsenal have reportedly been handed fresh hope of landing Alexander Isak next summer with the Newcastle striker claimed to be ‘stalling’ contract discussions. Gunners boss Mikel Arteta has a long-term interest in the Sweden international and is expected to target a new No. 9 ahead of next season.

Isak was on Arsenal’s list of summer targets this year, alongside RB Leipzig forward Benjamin Sesko. However, no deal for either player could be struck and Arteta diverted his attention to signing Raheem Sterling on transfer deadline day.

Kai Havertz has excelled as the focal point of Arsenal’s attack this season but it is expected that sporting director Edu will look for a new centre-forward next year. A renewed pursuit of Isak is unlikely to be ruled out.

According to talkSPORT, the north Londoners have been left on red alert by Isak stalling contract negotiations with Newcastle. It is claimed that the 25-year-old’s demands include becoming the club’s highest-paid player and having a release clause inserted into a new deal.

Newcastle have plenty of power over Isak’s future. His current terms do not expire until 2028, giving the Magpies plenty of time to either tie him down for longer, or receive a profit on the £63m they paid to sign him in 2022.

The former Borussia Dortmund star arrived from Real Sociedad and has been a major hit on Tyneside. He bagged 21 goals last season having had his first campaign disrupted by injuries.

Isak has scored just once in six appearances this season and suffered a broken toe September, ruling him out for three games prior to the international break. He is expected to be fit for Newcastle’s Premier League clash with Brighton on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Arsenal have coped well without signing a new striker during the summer. Havertz has scored six goals across all competitions as the central figure in Arteta’s attack, flanked by Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli.

The Germany international has played with increased confidence this season. He told Sky Sports last month: “If you have confidence, sometimes things that don’t normally work, they work. Every time I walk onto the pitch I want to feel better than my opponent and have confidence to play my game.

“Obviously when I came here everything was quite new, I haven’t worked with a coach that puts so much work into small little details on the pitch.”