Alexander Isak domino effect deals Arsenal transfer blow after Newcastle United update

Arsenal have a new roadblock in their way in a potential pursuit of Alexander Isak during the January transfer window, with Newcastle United suffering a fresh injury blow in their attacking department.

Six points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool, the Gunners find themselves locked in a developing title battle. They also possess no true striker within their ranks, as natural attacking midfielder Kai Havertz continues to lead the line for Mikel Arteta's side.

As the German and Bukayo Saka are tied on five for the club's highest scorer in the league this term, the suggestion to dip into the transfer market for a No.9 is only growing.

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For a long time now Newcastle's Isak has been hinted as a prime target - proven at Premier League level with 37 strikes in 65 appearances since he arrived on Tyneside two-and-a-half years ago.

His manager Eddie Howe recently conceded that the club might be forced to sell one of their key players next month to comply with Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).

"The days when teams don't sell big players are gone. I think our revenue streams aren't where we want them to be. We're still trying to grow them, so I think trading in and out is going to be essential," he said.

"Hopefully it's not going to be players that we're forced to sell, but you can't guarantee anything. The issue with PSR and our position is that nothing is clear-cut. Nothing is absolutely fixed - there will be lots of twists and turns during January. But we want to try and improve the squad."

The Sweden international has been valued at £115m, meaning Arsenal would be committing an awful lot of money to this venture.

However, January now seems increasingly unlikely for any deal to be struck as the Magpies are running thin with their forward options.

As per The Daily Mail, back-up option Callum Wilson - who has missed all but four matches this season through injury - has suffered another setback. He is due to stay on the sidelines until after the close of the upcoming transfer window.

This would prevent them from selling the 32-year-old as hinted, and by extension casts doubt over Isak moving mid-season to a rival such as Arsenal, even if they require the finances.