JUST IN: Alexander Isak sends Arsenal perfect transfer message as Newcastle united contract stance clear
Alexander Isak has sent Arsenal the perfect message ahead of the January transfer window. The 25-year-old striker, who continues to be heavily linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium, etched his name onto the scoresheet during Newcastle United’s clash against Brentford.
The Magpies locked horns with the Bees at the G-Tech Community Stadium on Saturday afternoon with a place in the top half of the Premier League up for grabs. Bryan Mbeumo fired Thomas Frank’s side ahead inside the opening 10 minutes, but Isak netted an equaliser just moments later.
Jacob Murphy cut inside off the right-wing and delivered a cross into the Brentford box. Nathan Collins was caught flat footed and failed to intercept the Newcastle winger’s strike, granting Isak the time – and space – to guide the ball past Mark Flekken.
Since returning from a broken toe injury, the Sweden international has featured eight times for the Magpies in the Premier League, scoring five goals and providing two assists. Despite his best efforts, Isak has struggled to drag Newcastle into the European qualification places.
With the January transfer window on the horizon and Eddie Howe’s side some way off the top four, he faces a somewhat uncertain future at St James’ Park. That said, he does have a contract which keeps him in Tyneside until at least June 2028.
Speaking to Swedish publication Fotbal Skanalen last month, as quoted by 90min, he said: “Throughout my career, I have never talked about or really commented on the move rumours during the season. There have been many such years where it has been talked about.
“It doesn’t affect me. I am commenting on my situation in Newcastle, and I have never had any problem there. I am fully focused on my task there and that we will have a fantastic season. There are still great opportunities for that. I have no thoughts about anything else.”
Isak added: “The only thing I can say is that a lot of information and rumours often come out. Much of what I read is not true. So that’s about all I can say about the whole thing.”
Howe has previously revealed that he’s ‘desperate’ for Isak to stay despite the club’s spending restrictions. The Magpies boss said: “I think with Alex he’s got a long contract anyway and we have to be really careful regarding our spending due to PSR.
“It’s not a clearcut situation. Every decision we make as a football club has a knock-on effect. We, of course, love Alex and are desperate for him to stay at Newcastle for many years and score loads of goals for us, but I don’t see a short-term issue with his contract.
“At this moment in time, Alex just needs to focus on his football. Whether that is him saying, ‘I’m fine. I’ve got four years left on my contract, I’m happy at the club and I just want to play my best football’. That is the ideal world.
“But, of course, nothing in football is straightforward, so I’m sure there will be ongoing discussions between Alex, his representatives and the club. Alex can only help his situation by playing well.”
His goal against Brentford, though, sends Arsenal yet another message of the striker’s potency in front of goal in the Premier League.
