Arsenal face £33m Alexander Isak disappointment as Real Madrid latest could change transfer priority

Pre-season is quickly approaching for Premier League clubs and Arsenal are edging closer to beginning their quest to dethrone Manchester City. Two points separated the two sides as Pep Guardiola's side ensured they didn't suffer an upset on the final day of the season at home to West Ham United.

For the second time in two years, the Gunners have tasted heartache in the English top-flight, albeit with two differing circumstances as a season earlier, Arteta's men suffered a slump after sitting top of the table allowing for their North West rivals to swoop in.

Clubs around the Premier League are pushing deals over the line before June 30's deadline for accounts relating to the Profit and Sustainability Rules. Newcastle United, Chelsea, Everton and Aston Villa have all been busy in recent weeks, while Arsenal continue to work away in the background without the threat this summer.

As the madness of the window starts to gather pace, here is a look at some of the latest Arsenal news. We have also given our thoughts on each situation.

Newcastle United handed Alexander Isak boost

As the PSR pressure ramped up for Premier League clubs, Newcastle included, Arsenal would've undoubtedly had their eye on a possible deal at a discounted price for the St James' Park icon. However those hopes have been handed a dagger blow as Eddie Howe's side have reportedly agreed a deal that could steer their finances away from a possible top-flight sanction.

According to The Athletic, Brighton & Hove Albion have agreed a fee with the North East club to bring Yankuba Minteh to the South Coast. It has been said that the Gambian international will bank the Magpies £33million and has landed in England as he will undergo a medical.

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The outlet has claimed Newcastle were eyeing a move for Minteh in order to ease difficulties from PSR, a points deduction is possible should they fail to make a significant sale before the reporting deadline on June 30.

football.london says: As quickly as the hopes ignited, they have been extinguished. Arsenal would have been counting their lucky stars no doubt when the news emerged that Newcastle were under financial pressures. However, the Magpies have been looking to off-load some of their other talents in a bid to swat away interest in their prized possessions - Isak and Bruno Guimaraes.

Newcastle have always been firm in their reflection on the Sweden international, he was neither for sale or on the market for anything below £100million minimum. Even for some of the wealthiest clubs in Europe, they would be hard-pressed to hand over that level of money. Arsenal will remain linked with Isak and goal-getters across the world but the latest update will only dispel bargain reports.

Arsenal handed double boost

Reports in Spain from Marca suggest that titans Real Madrid will not bow to Lille's €40million valuation for highly-rated prospect Leny Yoro. In turn, the development comes as a boost to their Premier League rivals Liverpool, who hold an interest in the Frenchman.

However, for Arsenal this could steer the Reds away from their rumoured pursuit of Italian Euro 2024 breakout star Riccardo Calafiori.

football.london says: There is always a level of scepticism with things like this, especially the origin of the reports. Arsenal may be interested in Calafiori but clubs will have alternatives and different targets.

Real Madrid could likely be playing a game of chess with their French counterparts in order to lower the valuation. Los Blancos are certainly not a club to shy away from negotiations for talents, as we have seen with Kylian Mbappe, and they will be looking to act shrewdly in the market.