Arsenal could be getting a green light to sign Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak who they have been linked to.
The Gunners ended the January transfer window having not made any signings, despite the fact that they made a bid for Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins.
The bid was reportedly rejected by Villa, who ended up selling Watkins’ strike partner Jhon Duran for £64m to Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr.
Arsenal were also linked with several other strikers, including Newcastle United star Alexander Isak. Although he was not for sale in January, and the Magpies placed a £115m price tag on him. However, they could pursue him in summer and have now been given the green light.
According to the Sun, Newcastle have identified Bournemouth attacker Justin Kluivert as a replacement for Isak, and could make a move for him in the summer, meaning that the Swede could be free to leave for Arsenal.
The report says that Newcastle are keeping an eye on Kluivert, who scored a hat-trick against them earlier in the season. He has been a big reason why Bournemouth are pushing for a European spot, as he has 12 goals and five assists in 25 games for the Cherries.
If Newcastle were to sign Kluivert, they may be more willing to let Isak leave, should Arsenal be prepared to dip into their pockets and pay the £115m price tag that the Magpies put on him.
Arsenal face competition to sign Alexander Isak
The Gunners aren’t the only club that are said to be keen on Isak, as the report suggests that he is also generating interest from Barcelona.
The Sweden international has impressed this season, scoring 17 goals in 22 Premier League games for Newcastle, making him the third-top scorer in the league behind Erling Haaland and Mo Salah.
Isak was the star when Newcastle beat Arsenal 2-0 at the Emirates in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg in January. They meet again this week to play the second leg at St James’ Park.