Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak has ‘rejected offers’ to make a summer move to Arsenal or Man Utd in favour of Barcelona, according to reports.
A number of clubs in the Premier League are looking for a top striker to improve their forward line with Arsenal, Liverpool and Man Utd among the clubs lacking a goalscoring centre-forward.
And Isak has emerged as the name on everyone’s lips this season as he continues to impress for Newcastle – who are into the Carabao Cup final – as the Geordies push for a top-four finish in the Premier League.
The Sweden international has contributed 22 goals and five assists in 31 matches in all competitions this season with his impressive form attracting interest.
Newcastle are sure that they don’t want to sell the player in the summer but there are rumours that they have accepted Isak may have to leave if they don’t qualify for the Champions League.
Selling the Swede would help Newcastle manage their profit and sustainability rules (PSR) limit, while giving them extra funds to strengthen for next season.
Isak is ambitious and there have been rumours that he will push for a move away if the Magpies don’t reach the Champions League qualifying places.
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And now reports in Spain claim that Isak is ‘pushing to play for Barcelona’ after ‘rejecting offers’ from Premier League sides Arsenal and Man Utd.
Newcastle are asking for at least €100m but ‘despite the financial difficulties, the player’s willingness to wear the Blaugrana shirt could be a key factor in this operation’.
Isak’s ‘desire to play at the Camp Nou has set in motion an operation that, although complicated, is not impossible’ after he ‘rejected offers from other major clubs, such as Arsenal and Manchester United , who have contacted him in recent weeks.’
The report adds:
‘This attitude from the player is an important endorsement for Barça, who know that having Isak’s desire to join the Barça project will facilitate negotiations. However, Newcastle have no intention of lowering their financial demands, which will force Barça to be creative in their strategy to approach the signing.
‘Barcelona president Joan Laporta is willing to do everything possible to bring Alexander Isak to the Camp Nou. Although the club is going through a delicate financial situation, Laporta knows that the arrival of a striker of Isak’s stature would be a huge boost for the team, both on a sporting and media level.
‘The Barcelona president is exploring different formulas to deal with the signing, including the possibility of including players in the operation or negotiating a staggered payment.
‘Furthermore, Barça could take advantage of the good relationship with Isak’s entourage to put pressure on Newcastle and lower their financial demands. However, the English club is in no hurry to sell its star, which makes the operation even more complicated.’
