Newcastle boss Eddie Howe says the club are “desperate” for Alexander Isak to stay, amid ongoing transfer interest from Arsenal.

Isak is a long-term target for the Gunners, who have tracked the striker since his days at Real Sociedad in Spain.

Newcastle have always insisted that they have no plans to sell, but Arsenal have been given fresh hope amid reports this week that the Sweden international is stalling on signing a new contract at St James’ Park.

Isak’s current deal on Tyneside runs until 2028, however it is reported that preliminary discussions over an extension were held at the back end of last season.

Talks have not progressed since then and that has boosted Arsenal’s chances of signing Isak, with the club in the market for a new striker next summer.

Howe, however, has stressed how Newcastle are determined to keep their star striker and he is not worried about that contractual situation right now.

“Well, I think that is a slightly more complex situation and I think regarding the contracts, I am not necessarily involved in those discussions day to day,” said Howe.

“I will hear bits and pieces, but I think with Alex, he has got a long contract, anyway, at the football club.

“And, we have to be really carefully regarding our spending due to PSR (profit and sustainability rules).

“I think it is not a clear-cut situation. We of course love him, desperate for him to stay, and stay at Newcastle for many years and score loads and loads of goals for us. But I don’t see a short-term issue with his contract.”