Chelsea and Arsenal £63m transfer race to be decided ‘in coming weeks’
Against Arsenal over the weekend, Alexander Isak scored for Newcastle United.
In light of recent rumors that the London team is prepared to spend £63 million on the talisman’s services during an upcoming transfer window, Chelsea’s pursuit of Alexander Isak, a striker for Newcastle United, will be “defined in the coming weeks.”
The Swedish international, who was a revelation at St. James’ Park, has been the subject of a lot of transfer rumors lately. The forward has four more years left on his current contract, which he signed for the Magpies in 2022 for £63 million.
Chelsea ready Newcastle United bid
However, Spanish outlet Fichajes reports that Newcastle United could be open to accepting a bid for Isak with a mind to reinvest in other parts of the squad after a hit-and-miss start to the season, even if that Chelsea £63 million bid did not represent a profit.
The Magpies are said to be looking at Paris Saint-Germain forward Randal Kolo Muani as a potential replacement with Luis Enrique not viewing the striker as part of his plans in the French capital. Any progress on that deal could aid Chelsea’s pursuit of Isak.
The report adds that it is not known whether Chelsea would push for a January or summer move, but that ‘everything indicates’ that the situation will be solved before the end of the calendar year. It adds that Isak’s own stance on his future will be ‘fundamental’ in the transfer saga.
The Newcastle United talisman has managed just two Premier League goals this season, the second coming in Saturday’s 1-0 win over Arsenal at St James’ Park. Isak has struggled with a toe injury but is yet to find the form that saw him plunder 21 league goals last term.
Chelsea have also been linked with transfer interest for fellow Newcastle United forward Callum Wilson in recent windows, however a deal never emerged from those rumours with the 32-year-old regularly struggling with injury problems.
Arsenal ‘admire’ Alexander Isak
The Guardian reports that Arsenal are also ‘admirers’ of Isak and monitoring his transfer situation. That came in a recent look at the player’s contract situation on Tyneside.
Speaking about a new deal, Howe said: “I want Alex to be focused on football. If that’s him saying I’ve got four years left on my contract, I’m happy at the football club and I just want to play my best football, that’s the ideal world.
“But nothing in football’s straightforward so I’m sure there will be ongoing discussions between Alex, his representatives and the club. But my main job at the moment is just to get Alex fit and playing his best football, enjoying his best football and scoring goals.”