Mikel Arteta and Arsenal have been given a major boost as they can now sign Alexander Isak for a discounted fee, according to a report.
Isak is enjoying another fantastic season in front of goal, having found the back of the net 19 times in 29 appearances so far. The striker has scored twice against Arsenal this season and ran centre-backs William Saliba and Gabriel ragged during their League Cup semi-final second leg on February 5.
Jamie Carragher has labelled Isak the best centre-forward in the Premier League this season, while Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that the Sweden international is Arsenal’s dream target to fill the void at No 9, with RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko another option.
Arsenal have previously been put off moving for Isak by Newcastle United demanding a remarkable fee of £150million (€180m / $189m) for him.
As per Catalan outlet Sport, Isak could be available for a far more reasonable fee of €100m (£83.3m / $105m) this summer.
Newcastle will be forced to drop their asking price significantly if they fail to qualify for next season’s Champions League. The Magpies know that Isak is determined to shine in the competition and establish himself as one of the best strikers in the world.
While the Premier League looks set to be given an extra Champions League spot, there is still a possibility Newcastle will miss out on qualification. Following their 4-0 defeat to Manchester City on Saturday, Eddie Howe’s side sit seventh.
Newcastle will have to fend off the likes of Bournemouth, Chelsea, Aston Villa and Fulham in order to make Europe’s premier knockout competition.
