Arsenal 'told to pay eye-watering fee for Newcastle United's Alexander Isak'

Arsenal have reportedly been told that they would need to pay around £180m to sign Newcastle United forward Alexander Isak.

The Gunners are looking to strengthen their squad this summer after falling narrowly short of Manchester City in the Premier League title race.

Despite racking up 89 points from 38 matches, Mikel Arteta's side had to settle for the runners-up spot for the second season in a row.

With Arsenal keen to challenge again next season, they have identified the forward line as an area that needs improving if they are to go one better and claim the Premier League title in 2024-25.

Arsenal's two conventional forward options Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah struggled to find their best form in the 2023-24 season.

© Reuters

Newcastle set £180m asking price for Isak

Jesus scored just four goals in 27 top-flight matches, while Nketiah mustered five goals in the same number of Premier League appearances.

In the last few months of the season, Arteta turned to Kai Havertz to lead the line, with the German netting nine goals in Arsenal's final 14 league games of the season.

While Havertz proved that he can operate as a centre-forward, the Gunners are considering a number of summer targets, including Newcastle's Isak.

However, according to The Telegraph, Newcastle are reluctant to sell the Sweden international and will only listen to offers in the region of £180m.

The report claims that rumours of a £90m asking price are wide of the mark, with the Magpies insisting that it would take double that figure for them to enter negotiations.

© Reuters

Who could Arsenal target instead of Isak?

The 24-year-old is currently under contract until the summer of 2028, with Newcastle open to discussing an extension on improved terms.

Isak's significant asking price is likely to put off Arsenal, and they may have to consider alternatives if they are unable to bring down Newcastle's valuation.

Sporting Lisbon's Viktor Gyokeres is believed to be on Arsenal's radar after scoring 43 goals in 49 competitive appearances for the Portuguese giants.

The Gunners have also been linked with a move for RB Leipzig forward Benjamin Sesko, but they face competition from Premier League rivals Manchester United.