Arsenal could leapfrog Chelsea in the race to sign Alexander Isak if Roberto Olabe replaces Edu Gaspar. The 25-year-old striker has been heavily linked with a move to both the Emirates Stadium and Stamford Bridge as he continues to impress for Newcastle United.
Since returning from a broken toe injury, Isak has featured six times for the Magpies in the Premier League, scoring three goals and providing one assist. Despite his best efforts, the Sweden international has struggled to drag Newcastle into the top half of the table.
With the January transfer window on the horizon and Eddie Howe’s side some way off the Champions League qualification places, Isak faces a somewhat uncertain future at St James’ Park.
Edu has been placed on gardening leave, with Jason Ayto stepping into the role on a temporary basis. According to Sky Sports Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg, Roberto Olabe has emerged as a ‘concrete candidate’ to replace the Brazilian.
The report states that the Real Sociedad chief has an ‘excellent relationship’ with Isak, who he signed for the Spanish club in July 2019. The Swede established himself as one of Europe’s most exciting young players in La Liga before joining Newcastle three years later.
Olabe sees his contract at the Reale Arena expire at the end of the season, making him available for free in the summer. While the 57-year-old may grant Arsenal an advantage in the race to sign Isak, the forward has insisted he’s ‘fully focused’ at Newcastle.
