Alexander Isak will now NOT sign for Arsenal this summer
Newcastle United striker, Alexander Isak, will not join Arsenal this summer, despite initial possibility.
Arsenal concluded their Premier League campaign with a victory on the south coast, as a late Martin Ødegaard strike saw the Gunners collect all three points against Southampton.
However, after Liverpool were crowned league champions last month, Arsenal have finished second for the third campaign in a row.
FREE DAILY NEWSLETTER
The daily Arsenal FC newsletter
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
With this, the Gunners have now been actively exploring the striker market, with Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyökeres and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Šeško both concrete possibilities to arrive in North London this summer.
Mikel Arteta’s preferred striker however, has always been Newcastle star, Isak, who bagged 27 goals, and recorded six assists in just 42 appearances for the Magpies in all competitions this season.
Arsenal have been on the end of the Swede’s prolific edge in front of goal, conceding two goals, one being a decisive header in a 0-1 league defeat earlier in November.
However, Arteta’s preferred striker donning red and white is no longer possible next season, as Newcastle have secured Champions League football for next campaign.
Before the final fixtures commenced, David Ornstein revealed that if the Geordies secured their place in Europe’s elite competition next season, Isak will not leave the club, and will instead stay at St. James’ Park.
While Newcastle lost to David Moyes’ Everton, Aston Villa’s controversial defeat to Manchester United still ensured Eddie Howe’s team finished the campaign in fifth place, enough for Champions League football through goal difference.
Had there been a different outcome, and Newcastle were awarded Europa League football, some potential suitors may have tried to test the waters, with the possibility of the 25 year-old desiring to play on Europe’s biggest stage.
Despite the transfer blow, Arsenal will now look towards other options both to lead the line and on the left-flank, in their pursuit of major silverware.