6 hours Ago By Fraser Watson
Newcastle United face a transfer dilemma after it emerged Arsenal are now tracking two of Eddie Howe’s key players. The Gunners are in the market for fresh attacking talent, with their title challenge fading this season amid a perceived lack of firepower. Mikel Arteta is also currently dealing with an injury crisis in his forward ranks, with Gabriel Jesus ruled out for the remainder of the season with an ACL injury and Bukayo Saka set to be sidelined until early March.
The situation has seen Arsenal linked with a big-money move for Alexander Isak, who has excelled under Howe this season with 17 goals in all competitions. And the Swedish striker issued the north London side with a brutal reminder of what they are missing with the opening goal at the Emirates this month in the first leg of the League Cup semi-final clash . But Isak wasn’t the only away player on the scoresheet that night, with Anthony Gordon also on target in a 2-0 win.
The 23-year-old stayed at St James’ Park despite being targeted by Liverpool in the summer and has been pivotal to his club this season. The ex- Everton man has made 27 appearances in all competitions in the 2025/25 campaign, scoring eight times. According to The Athletic , Arsenal also have ‘huge admiration’ for the player.
However, a deal would not come cheap after Gordon signed a contract extension in October that doesn’t expire until 2030. But Howe does have a potential headache regarding Isak’s situation. The 25-year-old is currently committed to Newcastle until June 2028, and there has been little sign of him signing an extension beyond that summer.
The star is said to be valued at more than £100million by his club, a price which Arsenal are currently unlikely to meet amid Financial Fair Play regulations. But their Premier League rivals are also fighting to balance their books and will be aware that Isak’s valuation is likely to drop the closer he gets to the end of his contract. It leaves Howe and co with the dilemma of having to contemplate cashing in on their prize asset while his form demands a huge fee.
Isak is said to want Champions League football next season in order to remain on Tyneside. Howe has publicly denied Newcastle are considering selling Isak, and played down suggestions that the lack of a new deal is down to reluctance on the part of the player. “There’s no part of me or anyone at Newcastle that wants to let Alex go,” he said last month.
“He’s very much part of our long-term plans. I know his desire to score goals is second to none. I don’t think contract talks started, I think that’s the issue.
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