TOP STORY: Arsenal could go for Isak after not agreeing to contract
Newcastle United forward Alexander Isak has no plans to agree to a new contract which opens the door for a move to Arsenal, reports the Daily Mail.
The Sweden international is currently under contract with the Magpies until 2028, however, the report reveals that preliminary discussions towards the end of last season saw Isak reluctant to agree to a new deal. It is understood that a major reason why Isak and his representatives were not keen to put pen to paper on a new deal was due to his ambition to play in the UEFA Champions League.
It is now reported that those talks towards the end of last season have come to an end and that there are no current discussions over a fresh contract, with both the club and player believing a new contract is not required.
This news will reportedly be of interest to Arsenal, who have held an interest in the 25-year-old. The report reveals that the Gunners would “likely be in a position to commit a British record sum” on Isak, with the north London giants keen to add to their forward options. Arsenal are in need of a recognised out-and-out striker, which could see the Gunners look to strike a deal for the Swede.
PAPER GOSSIP
– Juventus are tracking Lille winger Alan Virginius, reports Foot Mercato. The 21-year-old is currently on loan with Young Boys, where he has scored five goals across all competitions. The report suggests that Virginius has attracted the attention of Juventus, who view the youngster as a potential replacement for Timothy Weah for next season. However, Lille are not under immediate pressure to part ways with Virginius.
– Real Madrid are interested in a deal for RB Leipzig defender Castello Lukeba, however, they will face stiff competition, reports Sport. The Spanish giants are desperate to add to their defensive options, and in particular, a left-sided defender. They reportedly join a host of Premier League clubs in the race for the defender. The 21-year-old is under contract with the German club until 2029, with Leipzig currently valuing the defender at €90 million.
– Juventus are looking at a possible deal for Arsenal defender Jakub Kiwior as the Italian club are eyeing up several defensive options, reports Tuttosport. Following the injury to Bremer, Juventus are eager to add a defender to the ranks in January and have evaluated several options. The report suggests that Kiwior is one option, whilst Ajax’s Jorrel Hato is also viewed as an option, though his valuation could make a deal difficult. Flamengo defender Léo Ortiz is also being monitored by Juventus, though the Brazilian club are reluctant to part ways with the defender.
– Ipswich Town could terminate midfielder Kalvin Phillips‘ loan deal in January, reports Football Insider. It is reported that the 28-year-old will return to Manchester City unless he can showcase that he is up to the required quality for Ipswich this season. Ipswich reportedly feel that Phillips has not currently got the conditions to succeed at the club, which could see the Tractor Boys cut their losses and end the loan in January.
– Barcelona are positioning themselves to agree a deal for Bayern Munich defender Alphonso Davies, reports Sport. Davies sees his contract expire at the end of the season, however, the report suggests that Real Madrid and Manchester United both hold an interest in the Canadian. It is reported Barcelona manager Hansi Flick maintains a strong relationship with Davies from their time at the Bavarian club, which could work to Barcelona’s advantage as they look to strike a deal.
