Arsenal rule out signing Newcastle United star Alexander Isak

Arsenal have reportedly ruled out signing Newcastle United star Alexander Isak in the summer after narrowing down their striker shortlist to two.

The Gunners who are in search of a new frontman after another season of seeing the likes of Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz struggling in front of goal and enduring a near-season-ending injury to mark yet another disappointing season without a silverware.

Per The Independent, Arsenal have trimmed their striker targets to RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko and are confident of signing Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres when the transfer window opens in early June.

Benjamin Sesko of RB Leipzig celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the Bundesliga match between FC Augsburg and RB Leipzig at WWK-Arena on February 10, 2024 in Augsburg,,(Photo by Sebastian Widmann/Getty Images)

However, a deal for Newcastle United’s Isak is viewed as impossible despite the Gunners believing that the Swedish international would be interested in moving to the Emirates in the summer.

The report adds that 21-year-old Sesko, and Gyokeres, 26, would cost either £75m or below due to various clauses and agreements. However, Isak is likely to cost more than £100m.

Gyokeres has scored 58 goals and had 14 assists in 54 matches for Sporting CP this season (Image credit: Getty Images)

Mikel Arteta’s side have been in search of a new goal-scoring machine in recent times, and if they want to take the next step and end their trophy drought, getting a clinical striker can not be compromised.

The Independent further indicates that Arsenal remain interested in both Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike and Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins, but their pursuit of Sesko and Gyokeres is at an advanced stage.

With Arsenal’s pursuit of Isak now hitting a roadblock, focus will be turned towards making sure either Sesko or Gyokeres is snatched to lead the line at the Emirates come next season.

Meanwhile, Arsenal are preparing to take on Newcastle at the Emirates in the Premier League on Sunday – a fixture that could see Isak line up for the visitors.