Alexander Isak Arsenal transfer twist as Arteta sent huge reminder amid Viktor Gyokeres decision

Arsenal and Mikel Arteta may have been sent a clear Alexander Isak warning amid transfer interest in the Newcastle star. The Gunners have been interested in Isak dating back to his Real Sociedad days with links continuing following his move to the Premier League in the summer of 2022.

On Tyneside, the Sweden international has continued finding the back of the net with 40 goals scored in 79 games for the Magpies. Chelsea have also taken a liking to Isak with contact made to try and understand the conditions for a deal last summer, though Newcastle met those demands with a very clear asking price.

Isak is contracted to St James' Park until 2028 and thus any deal in the immediate future will likely cost a significant amount. Isak alternatives for Arsenal include Sporting CP's Viktor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko of RB Leipzig, though the latter recently signed a new contract in Germany.

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Considering how he has thrived in the Premier League over the last two years, Isak could be Arteta's first-choice if he opts to bring in a new forward, however he has just ben sent a clear transfer warning. In the 22nd minute of Newcastle's Premier League clash against Crystal Palace, Isak was subbed off with a hip injury.

He appeared to pick up the issue in a collision with Tyrick Mitchell and despite receiving treatment before carrying on, was replaced by Harvey Barnes. Since joining Newcastle, Isak has suffered a fair few minor injuries and while none of those problems have seen him miss a significant period, it is still a concern.

Earlier this season, a broken toe resulted in a five-game absence for Isak with two groin injuries forcing him to miss eight games. Though not a huge worry, it often means he will be unavailable and unable to build any momentum and it may be something Arteta takes into consideration when making a decision on which striker to sign.

Gyokeres, meanwhile, has not missed any games in the last two seasons due to injury with availability crucial to Arteta, especially taking into account the crisis he has to contend with over the last few months.