According to journalist Charlie Watts, Arsenal are likely to focus on Benjamin Sesko rather than go after Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak during the upcoming transfer window.
Watts said on Inside Arsenal: “I can see why Arsenal might be thinking we don’t need to go for an Alexander Isak when they have Havertz doing what they’re doing.
“I wish they would, but they probably won’t, I think they will look at a Sesko.”
Why are Arsenal not serious about signing the forward?
With Gabriel Jesus set to leave, Alexander Isak has been one of Arsenal’s top targets but the Gunners are probably shifting their focus because the forward is about to commit his future to Newcastle United.
Isak has held lengthy talks with the club’s management and as per reports, he is going to sign a new contract very soon. The forward will have to take a pay cut if Newcastle fail to qualify for the Champions League and under the terms of the new deal, this pay cut will be abolished. The Magpies need to sell players to balance their books but the experts believe, Alexander Isak along with Bruno Guimaraes are two of the untouchables in the current squad.
Also, Newcastle United will demand a premium fee for the 24-year-old while Benjamin Sesko has a release clause of €65 million and since the Gunners have to reinforce several other departments, they won’t want to overspend on one single area.
With Arsenal out of the picture will Barcelona be able to sign Alexander Isak?
If Arsenal are really set to shift their focus to the RB Leipzig man then it will be a big help for Barcelona who are also keeping tabs on Alexander Isak.
The Catalans are expected to sell Robert Lewandowski and someone like Isak can be the ideal replacement. Barcelona are also being linked with Darwin Nunez but Liverpool are reluctant to let him leave. Liverpool have invested a lot of money in Nunez and they believe the South American can reach new heights under the incoming manager.
Under the 1:1 rule, if Barca can bring in a premium transfer fee from Lewandowski’s sale they can easily use that money to fund Isak’s move to the Camp Nou.
The Swedish international has been in top form this season, scoring 20 goals in 29 Premier League appearances and currently, he is scoring 0.51 goals per game at St James’ Park. He played 132 games for Real Sociedad before joining Newcastle and because the La Liga is a familiar hunting ground for him, a move to Barcelona won’t be a major issue.
Newcastle United will obviously fight long and hard to hold onto him but without Champions League football, it will be very hard for them to convince the 24-year-old to snub an offer from mighty Barcelona.
