Newcastle United’s contract negotiations with star striker Alexander Isak have reached a standstill, setting off alarms for Arsenal ahead of the upcoming January transfer window.
Isak, now in his third season at St James’ Park, has emerged as one of the Premier League’s top attacking talents, boasting an impressive 36 goals in 73 appearances for the Magpies. Despite an injury setback last season, the 25-year-old Swede still finished as Newcastle’s top scorer, netting 25 goals across all competitions.
The Swedish international’s performances have drawn attention from several elite clubs, with both Arsenal and Tottenham previously showing interest in the forward. Over the summer, there were rumors of £100 million bids from both clubs, but Newcastle manager Eddie Howe made it clear that Isak was not for sale, successfully retaining the striker for another season.
However, Newcastle’s attempts to secure Isak on a new long-term deal have hit an impasse. According to a report from talkSPORT, discussions have made little progress, and there are no signs of a breakthrough. Isak is reportedly seeking to become the club’s highest-paid player, alongside demanding a release clause in any new contract—conditions that Newcastle have yet to meet.
This contractual deadlock has reportedly put Arsenal on high alert. The Gunners, keen to bolster their attacking options, are monitoring the situation closely. Isak’s current contract runs until 2028, but if Newcastle cannot meet his demands, the Swede could become a target for a big-money move in January.
Arsenal had previously explored other attacking options during the summer transfer window, including RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko and Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, but missed out on finalizing deals. With Isak now potentially available, Mikel Arteta’s side may reignite their pursuit.
Isak, for his part, has downplayed speculation about his future, emphasizing his happiness in Newcastle. In an interview in June, the forward said, “I’m enjoying myself very, very much in Newcastle. I just had the best season of my career. I love everything about the club, the fans, the city.”
Still, with contract negotiations stalling, Arsenal and other top European clubs could see an opportunity to swoop in and make a play for the dynamic forward in the January window. Whether Newcastle can resolve the situation or risk losing their star man remains to be seen.