Arsenal on red alert in pursuit of 25-year-old Premier League star previously linked to Chelsea: Reports
Arsenal have allegedly received a boost in their pursuit of Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak, who was linked with a switch to the Gunners' city rivals Chelsea in the summer.
The Gunners have been on the lookout for a top-class number-nine since the start of the pre-season. However, they opted to put their trust in Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus for deputizing in the aforesaid role.
Instead, Arsenal chose to weaken their offensive depth by offloading Eddie Nketiah and loaning Reiss Nelson to Fulham for the rest of the term. Hence, they are likely to snap up a new attacker next January.
Now, according to Newcastle expert Craig Hope, Newcastle have no plans to offer Isak a new contract with the star's current deal expiring in 2028. Due to the recent development, the Gunners are on red alert.
Preliminary talks between Newcastle and Isak's agents were held towards the end of last campaign. However, the Magpies reportedly felt that the right-footed forward and his camp were hesitant to sign a deal.
Isak, who has been on Chelsea's radar following his stellar 2023-24 season, could seek a switch if Newcastle fail to qualify for the UEFA Champions League. The ex-Borussia Dortmund and Real Sociedad man is also believed to have doubts about his club's current project.
So far this campaign, the Arsenal and Chelsea target has contributed just one goal in seven appearances across competitions. The 25-year-old striker has bagged 44 goals in 132 total outings for his current club.
Arsenal legend opines on Chelsea goalkeeper
Speaking on his Seaman Says podcast, Arsenal icon David Seaman asserted that Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez is inconsistent despite being a brilliant shot-stopper. He said (h/t The Chelsea Chronicle):
"He gets a bit of stick because he's a little bit inconsistent. He can make great saves, and then he'll make a real mess. Sometimes, his mistakes are really bad. Some decisions that he makes, sometimes coming out for crosses that aren't his. But he still makes match-winning saves."
Sanchez, 26, has lately received a bit of scrutiny for his below-par displays against Liverpool and Brighton & Hove Albion in the league. He has kept two shutouts and conceded 10 goals in eight games this term.
Since leaving Brighton for a sum in the region of £25 million last summer, Sanchez has featured in 29 matches in all competitions for his club. He has recorded seven clean sheets and conceded 40 goals so far.