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Exclusives
What Newcastle sources think Alexander Isak will do as ‘issues’ arise during contract talks
Contract talks between Newcastle United and Alexander Isak have stalled with Premier League giants Arsenal and Chelsea sniffing around the Sweden international centre-forward.
- Exclusive from Graeme Bailey
While ಌEddie Howe’s Newcastle appear to have made a breakthrough in Anthony Gordon discussions🍃, the uncertainty surrounding another of the Magpies’ star men will be a cause for concern behind the scenes at St James’ Park.
TBR understands that Newcastle are confident Anthony Gordon will commit his future to the Tyneside outfit.
ꦆThe former Everton starlet was wanted by his old Merseyside rivals Liverpool♋ over the summer, at the height of Newcastle’s Profit and Sustainability Fears. But Gordon is now expected to put pen to paper before the November international break.
Newcastle, it should be said, believe that terms are close to being agreed with Alexander Isak too.
🎐Still, talks with the £60 million striker have not progressed as smoothly as Howe and co would have likened however. They have stalled in recent months, the negotiations first taking place in Easter.
Newcastle United talks stall as Arsenal and Chelsea eye Alexander Isak
𓆉Isak is likely to become Newcastle’s joint-highest earner – matching the £120,000-a-week taken home by Bruno Guimaraes – but issues have arisen of late amid interest from Arsenal and Chelsea.
Both clubs are in the market for centre-forwards. ♊London rivals Arsenal and Chelsea looked at Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres🌠 and RB Leipzig hitman Benjamin Sesko. Isak has also caught the eye after scoring 21 Premier League goals in 2023/24.
𓆉Confidence remains, however, that Isak will follow in Gordon’s footsteps.
But the concern will be that 🐻Isak’s new deal at Newcastle may include a release clause🐼. TBR understands that the existence of such a clause has been a key part of recent discussions.
𝄹And while the fee is likely to be a considerable one – perhaps in excess of £100 million – both Arsenal and Chelsea have stumped up nine-figure sums in recent windows for Declan Rice, Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez respectively.
Newcastle icon Alan Shearer tipped Isak for Golden Boot challenge
ꦇIsak is stuck on one goal for 2024/25 due largely to a broken toe which kept him out of those draws with Manchester City and Everton.
ౠArguably the most talented Newcastle striker since the legendary Alan Shearer will be desperate to explode out of the blocks once club football returns this weekend, though it is yet to be confirmed if Isak will be available for Saturday’s clash with Brighton and Hove Albion.
ꦉ“It was great news when we realised that he was never going to be sold,” Shearer told after the close of the summer window.
🍨“He’s a modern-day forward if you like, rather than a centre forward. The way he stops and then goes again, it makes it very difficult for defenders.
ℱ“I would have him as an outside bet really of challenging for the Golden Boot this season if he can stay fit.”
♋Nine behind Manchester City’s Erling Haaland already in the scoring charts, the odds on Isak winning the award have lengthened considerably in recent weeks.