Arsenal reach unwanted conclusion after holding Alexander Isak transfer talks

Arsenal have told that it'd cost more than £115MILLION to sign Newcastle star Alexander Isak - a British-record transfer fee which they can't afford.

Isak, 25, has been in red-hot form of late, scoring 10 goals in his last nine games, including one against the Gunners in Tuesday's Carabao Cup semi-final first leg. The Swede's long-term future is now firmly in the spotlight, with Newcastle currently unable to tie him down on a new contract and Arsenal internally discussing a move.

The Magpies are still balancing the books in order to avoid Premier League Profit and Sustainability Charges, with boss Eddie Howe admitting that Isak's situation is 'complex'. But Arsenal won't be a threat in the January transfer window, despite the Gunners' apparent need for a new No.9.

Their toothless display in Tuesday's 2-0 defeat at home to Newcastle left Arsenal legend Ian Wright urging the club to reinforce Arteta's attack in January, having missed a slew of chances. But Isak won't be coming to rescue their fading hopes of a successful season thanks to Newcastle's lofty price tag.

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The Mail report that St James' Park chiefs value the ex-Borussia Dortmund and Real Sociedad striker at more than £115m, the amount which Chelsea paid for Moises Caicedo in 2023. Isak still has three-and-a-half years left on his current deal and his happy at Newcastle, who are in contention for to qualify Europe this season thanks to seven wins in a row.

Arsenal currently don't have that kind of cash but will listen to offers for striker Gabriel Jesus in the summer. Thomas Partey's £150,000-a-week wages are also set to be off the books following the expiration of his contract, funding the next phase of Arteta's project.

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Image: Alex Pantling/Getty Images) Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

Significant sales could give the Gunners the cash they require to sign Isak, who Arteta rates highly. Ahead of the semi-final, Arsenal's manager hailed: "Obviously he's a top player, he's in top form scoring a lot of goals."

Indeed he is, with Isak's tally of 13 goals after 20 Premier League games putting him just seven away from his best ever return in the English top flight. The Sweden international joined Newcastle from Real Sociedad for a club-record £63m in 2022. If he continues in this rich vein of form, the Magpies should have no problem recouping that fee - and then some.

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