ARSENAL are facing a triple blow to their hopes of signing Newcastle star Alexander Isak.
The Swedish international is one of the most in-form forwards in Europe.
Isak, 25, has recovered from a slow start to the season and now has 11 goals in 16 Premier League appearances.
His exploits have seen interest in him from Arsenal ramp up; however, they may struggle to complete a deal.
SunSport can reveal the prolific forward is potentially prepared to stay at St James Park – if the club finishes in the top four.
Sources close to the player say he’s desperate to play in the Champions League but believes he can achieve that ambition with the Magpies.
The news will be a blow to Arsenal who are continuing to monitor the player.
The Gunners are also likely to baulk at the huge price tag that has now been placed on the player.
Reports over the weekend suggest Newcastle will resist any attempt to lure him away by placing a record price tag in excess of £150million on Isak.
They blocked talks to poach Isak last summer by quoting a fee of around £150mfor Isak, which scared off Arsenal’s London rivals Chelsea.
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With three and a half years left on his contract, which Newcastle may well look to extend at the end of the season, the asking price will not be lowered.
New contract talks were postponed earlier this year, Newcastle want to keep Isak and know an extension will need to be discussed at some point.
Arsenal have long been linked with an interest in Isak, who has scored 42 goals in 68 Premier League appearances.
However, they could struggle to come up with the sort of money needed to open talks at a time when every club in England needs to comply with PSR.
And in a third blow to Arsenal’s hopes, they are not the only club keen on signing Isak.
Paris Saint-Germain are also believed to be tracking the striker, while there could be interest from the two Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid.
If Liverpool fails to agree on a new contract with Mohamed Salah, they could also look at Isak as his replacement.
The interest from the top clubs could start a bidding war and drive Isak’s fee towards a world record number.
Neymar‘s move from Barcelona to PSG in 2017 is the current record at £198m.
This means that Arsenal could look for an alternative to Isak, with Wolves’ star Matheus Cunha, one option that has been linked with a switch to the Emirates.
