Barcelona have set their sights on Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak as they brace for Manchester United to secure Viktor Gyokeres, according to reports in Spain.
The Catalan giants are in the market for a new striker to succeed Robert Lewandowski, who, despite his incredible form, will turn 37 before the 2026-27 season.
The Polish forward has been prolific at the Nou Camp, scoring 31 goals in 33 games this season and 90 in 128 overall. However, Barcelona are planning ahead and view Isak as the ideal long-term replacement.
Under Hansi Flick, Barcelona are thriving and could climb to the top of La Liga with a win over Rayo Vallecano.
Their European campaign has also been impressive, finishing second in the revamped Champions League group stage to secure a knockout spot.
Finding a replacement for Lewandowski is no easy task, but Mundo Deportivo reports that Isak has become their priority.
Since joining Newcastle from Real Sociedad in 2022, the Swedish striker has been outstanding, particularly this season, netting 17 goals in 22 league matches.
Isak has also been high on Arsenal’s wishlist, with Mikel Arteta pushing to bring him to the Emirates. The Gunners were priced out of a move in January when Newcastle demanded over £100m.
Instead, Arteta pursued Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins but remains eager to revive his interest in Isak if Newcastle are open to negotiations this summer.
Barcelona have also been monitoring Viktor Gyokeres, but sources suggest they believe the Swedish forward is ‘destined’ for Manchester United.
United have long been admirers of Gyokeres, even before his former Sporting Lisbon boss took over at Old Trafford. With Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee struggling for consistency, the club is desperate for attacking reinforcements.
Gyokeres has been in blistering form, scoring an astonishing 77 goals in 86 games for Sporting since his move from Coventry City.
If Barcelona fail to land Isak or Gyokeres, Lille’s Canadian forward Jonathan David has been identified as another option.
Meanwhile, former England midfielder Paul Scholes has cast doubt on Isak joining Arsenal, claiming he should aim for a bigger club.
“Everyone loves him, but I don’t see him going to Arsenal,” Scholes said on The Overlap with Sky Bet. “He should be looking at Real Madrid or Liverpool teams that can win league titles.
“Newcastle is a fantastic team, but they won’t win the league. Arsenal would be an option, but I think they’re lower on the list. If he moves, it should be to a club that can compete for the biggest trophies.”
Scholes also suggested that while Manchester United would be interested in Isak, their current situation makes a move unlikely.
As the summer transfer window approaches, Isak, Gyokeres, and David could all be at the center of a high-stakes battle between Europe’s biggest clubs.