Arsenal make huge £70m transfer decision as Alexander Isak 'offer' prepared
Arsenal face a decisive final week of the January transfer window to help bolster Mikel Arteta's fatigued squad. The Gunners are yet to welcome any new signings despite major injury issues, particularly in attack, leaving Arteta light in a number of areas.
As was evidenced by Kai Havertz falling to the floor in exhaustion after starting an eighth consecutive game, a new attacker arriving at Emirates Stadium is vital. Any of Viktor Gyokeres, Benjamin Sesko or Alexander Isak coming in currently appears unlikely with a fresh update on the latter emerging.
Despite it appearing rather important that depth is added at the top end of the pitch, the Gunners may well be eyeing further defensive reinforcements. Given the expected exit of Kieran Tierney along with the uncertain futures surrounding Jakub Kiwior and Takehiro Tomiyasu, it is perhaps not a terrible move.
READ MORE: Five transfers Arsenal could still complete this week before the January window closes
With that being said, football.london has taken a look at the latest Arsenal transfer news and rumours as deadline day approaches.
Arsenal 'step up' Quenda interest
Arsenal are said to have stepped up efforts to sign Sporting CP star Geovany Quenda, with Manchester United also interested. The 17-year-old has a £70million (€83m) release clause in his contract with numerous European clubs, including Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, keeping tabs on his progress.
The Gunners are one of those with Fichajes claiming they are watching him closely and are preparing to make a move in the coming months.
football.london says: While this may not be where the immediate priority lies, it is perhaps an indication that nothing is going to happen in the final days of January.
An acquisition for the future is certainly worthwhile; however, with Quenda's start to life in senior football and the big clubs circling, it showcases his clear ability. Versatility is another key attribute that Arteta loves in his players, with the teenager boasting exactly that.
While being able to play on both wings, Quenda is also capable of doing a job further back, having broken into the Sporting team under Ruben Amorim as a wing-back. The release clause is rather steep, and with that in mind, if Arsenal do opt to actively pursue him, an alternative payment method being presented is very plausible.
Isak 'contract offer'
Newcastle will offer Alexander Isak a new contract at the conclusion of the 2024/25 season, according to the Telegraph.
The Magpies continue to insist he is not for sale, though Arsenal remain strongly linked to acquiring his services this summer. Whether or not Eddie Howe's side achieves a Champions League qualification spot will also likely prove vital in determining his long-term future.
football.london says: Given his electric run of form, it is no surprise Newcastle plan to do absolutely everything possible to keep hold of him.
Interest from north London dates back to his Real Sociedad days, and Arsenal's need for an elite-level striker has been made clear on many occasions in recent years. Of course, making such a marquee signing will not come cheap, and Arsenal may well have to break their club-record transfer fee to sign him.
Ultimately, if Newcastle are back in Europe next season, Isak may not see Arsenal as an obvious upgrade, especially if Arteta's side go another campaign without winning a trophy.
