Arsenal and Liverpool’s hopes of signing Alexander Isak in the summer transfer window could be dashed by an overseas rival. The Gunners’ desperation for a striker has seen them be consistently linked with the Sweden international, having been interested in Isak as far back as January 2022.
Liverpool’s need for a top-class centre-forward has also put them in the running for the prolific Newcastle frontman. But it seems that the Premier League’s two top clubs right now may both miss out on Isak’s signature. RMC Sport reports that French champions Paris Saint-Germain, fresh from eliminating Liverpool in the Champions League this week, are readying a spectacular players-plus-cash deal for the Magpies’ goal-machine.
Goncalo Ramos, Randal Kolo Muani and Marco Asensio are all reported to be part of a swap deal being lined up for Isak, who carries a price tag of over £150million. Kolo Muani and Asensio are surplus to requirements in Paris, having been loaned to Juventus and Aston Villa respectively. Forward Ramos could also be let go if Isak moves in the opposite direction.
Since his January loan move, Muani has impressed at Juventus, having netted five goals in his first three matches, while Asensio has also made a mark at Villa. That has boosted their value, giving PSG valuable leverage as they seek to resolve their own issues up front.
Crucially, both Arsenal and Liverpool would struggle to match such an extravagant deal. Newcastle would naturally require a replacement for Isak, which could be provided by the potential signings of Kolo Muani and/or Ramos.
Arsenal, on the other hand, lack notable forwards to offer, while Liverpool’s underperforming Darwin Nunez and injury-prone Diogo Jota are unlikely to satisfy Eddie Howe’s high expectations for a No.9. Unless Newcastle have no interest in PSG’s players, the English giants will therefore need to go the extra mile to secure the Swede’s signature, shelling out a substantial amount in a cash-only deal.
This is due to Isak having three years remaining on his current contract, along with his emergence this season as one of the standout strikers in European football. The ex-Real Sociedad forward has netted 19 goals in the Premier League alone this season and an impressive total of 22 across all competitions.
His contributions have propelled the Magpies into the race for Champions League qualification and into the Carabao Cup final, taking place at Wembley on Sunday afternoon. Meanwhile, Arsenal’s title aspirations this term have been hampered by their lack of a clinical No.9, suggesting Mikel Arteta could be given a significant transfer budget come the transfer window.