Newcastle United have significantly increased their asking price for star striker Alexander Isak as top European clubs, including Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, and Liverpool, show interest.
The Swedish forward has been in sensational form, netting 17 goals and providing five assists in 23 Premier League games.
His all-around play has earned him praise as one of England’s best strikers, helping Newcastle push for a Champions League spot and reach the Carabao Cup final.
Isak’s stellar performances since his £63m transfer from Real Sociedad in 2022 have made him a prime target.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta reportedly sees him as a dream signing, while Chelsea, Man United, and Liverpool are all monitoring his situation.
Even Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona have been linked with the 25-year-old.
Despite interest from Europe’s biggest clubs, Newcastle’s owners are determined to keep their star man. According to The Sun, the club initially valued Isak at £100-130m but have now raised that figure to a staggering £160m, a fee met only twice in football history Neymar’s £198m move to PSG and Kylian Mbappe’s £163m switch.
Arsenal, the club most heavily linked with Isak, would likely struggle to meet that valuation, especially after spending £105m on Declan Rice. However, Arteta is expected to receive financial backing this summer after the club made no signings in January.
The Gunners explored moves for multiple strikers, including Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins, before the window closed. With Kai Havertz sidelined for the season, their need for attacking reinforcements has only increased.
Chelsea are long-time admirers of Isak but have recently focused on signing younger players on lower fees with extended contracts. The form of £32m signing Nicolas Jackson has been inconsistent, prompting interest in Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap and Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie Gittens.
Liverpool, despite leading the Premier League and cruising through the Champions League group stage, have mainly played without a traditional striker this season.
Only Mohamed Salah has hit double figures, and club legend Jamie Carragher has suggested that signing a forward like Isak could elevate the team further.
Meanwhile, Manchester United continue to struggle up front, with Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee managing just five league goals combined.
Though they may be watching Isak’s situation, new manager Ruben Amorim reportedly prefers a move for former Sporting Lisbon star Viktor Gyokeres.
After a brief four-game goal drought, Isak will aim to get back on the scoresheet when Newcastle take on Nottingham Forest on Sunday. With the Premier League table tightly packed, a win could push Eddie Howe’s side into the Champions League spots.