Chelsea is preparing to capitalize on a major deal involving Arsenal next summer. **TEAMtalk** reports that Chelsea aims to leverage Arsenalβs anticipated move for Alexander Isak, the Newcastle United forward.
Reports suggest the Swedish international, who has excelled for the Magpies, is uncertain about his long-term future at St. Jamesβ Park. His doubts reportedly stem from frustration over limited UEFA Champions League involvement.
Managed by Enzo Maresca, Chelsea is rumored to have reached out to the 25-year-old regarding a potential transfer and is said to be preparing a Β£115 million offer to bring him to Stamford Bridge. Meanwhile, Newcastle is reportedly eager to retain Isak by offering him a lucrative new contract.
Chelsea believes a significant bid might convince Newcastle to sell. Arsenal has also been strongly linked with Isak, described as their βdreamβ acquisition.
The North London club is reportedly seeking additional attacking options and views Isak as someone capable of significantly improving their frontline.
According to Realsports, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta admires Isakβs combination of technical ability and goal-scoring prowess. Former Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson expressed surprise that the club did not pursue Isak in the last transfer window.
βThis young man is a personal favorite of mine,β Merson told Sky Sports. βIβm shocked Arsenal didnβt go all out to sign him in the summer.β
He added that Isak could have been the missing piece for Arsenal. The forward impressed with Newcastle last season, scoring 21 Premier League goals and earning praise for creating space for teammates, spreading the play, and dropping deep.
Merson believes Isakβs style would complement Arsenalβs current attackers, such as Martin Γdegaard and Bukayo Saka.
βHe can drop deep, get into the box, and spread the play,β Merson remarked. βArsenal feels a bit narrow right now. They need someone like Isak to open up the game and create space.β