Arsenal dealt blow as Barcelona identify ‘main transfer objective’ for summer
Barcelona’s hierarchy are ‘in love’ with Alexander Isak and have identifie the Newcastle sensation as their ‘main objective’ for the summer.
Isak, 25, has established himself as one เว็บพนันออนไลน์ UFABET สมัครง่าย โปรโมชั่นมากมาย of the most potent and sought-after goalscorers in world football over the last two seasons, netting 44 times in 68 appearances for the Magpies.
A whole host of Europe’s elite clubs are believe to be queueing up for Isak’s signature and the Swede’s future was the subject of intense speculation over the course of the January transfer window.
However, Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe was adamant throughout that Isak was not for sale and some indicate it would have taken an offer in excess of £150million to prise the forward away from St James’ Park.
Arsenal have long linke with Isak but the striker’s eye-watering price tag meant he was never a realistic option this winter and the Gunners launche a late bid for Ollie Watkins instead – which was rejecte out of hand by Aston Villa.
It remains to be seen if the north London giants will step up their interest inIsak at the end of the season but, if they do, they are likely to come up against fierce competition from Barcelona.
Jose Alvarez, Barca have already sounde out the Newcastle attacker and view him as their primary target for next season.
The club is starting to plan for the summer… there are several pending departures, let’s not rule out Ronald Araujo or Frenkie de Jong and Robert Lewandowski faces an uncertain future,’ Alvarez said on the popular Spanish TV programme.
‘There is a player that the Barcelona sporting management is in love with, that Joan Laporta is in love with. They believe that he will be the icing on the cake for the squad.
‘The main objective is Alexander Isak. Right now he is worth €75m (£62.5m) and negotiations have held with Newcastle.
‘They have sounde out the player and the feeling is positive.’
Speaking on the latest episode of Manchester United legend Paul Scholes suggeste Isak should set his sights on a club ‘bigger and better’ than Arsenal.
‘Everyone loves him but I don’t see a possibility of him going to Arsenal. He needs to go bigger and better,’ the former United and England midfielder said.