Chelsea learn 'desperate' Alexander Isak transfer stance amid new Ben Chilwell 'solution'

Chelsea host Newcastle United on Sunday for the first time since the Blues reputedly enquired about signing striker Alexander Isak during the summer transfer window.

Talks reportedly took place between the two clubs. However, nothing materialised because Newcastle wanted a Premier League record transfer fee—despite claims they could have included Nicolas Jackson to reduce that outlay before the striker signed a new contract.

Isak, though, appears no closer to agreeing any extension to his stay at Newcastle. That is despite the club recently rewarding Anthony Gordon with a new deal to end the reported interest from Arsenal and Liverpool in the England international.

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Howe on Isak

During Friday's pre-match press conference, Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe spoke about Isak's future: "That's a slightly more complex situation. Regarding contracts, I'm not involved in those discussions day to day.

"With Alex, he's got a long contract anyway at the football club, and we have to be really careful with our spending due to profit and sustainability rules (PSR). It's not a clear-cut situation.

"We, of course, love him [Isak] and are desperate for him to stay at Newcastle for many years and score loads of goals for us. I don't see a short-term issue with his contract."

football.london says: Until any new contract is signed, Chelsea should continue to make their interest in Isak clear despite recently recommitting to Nicolas Jackson and their striker's form to start this season. Especially with Arsenal also keen on the Sweden international, the Blues must be ready should he become available.

Chilwell' solution'

The former England and Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Paul Robinson believes West Ham United should offer Ben Chilwell a move away from Chelsea. "Location-wise, it works for him," Robinson told Football Insider.

"On a short-term basis, big deals, we do see some done in January; a deal like that is potentially a short-term solution for Ben Chilwell.

"I wouldn't say he's the answer to West Ham's problems, [but] if West Ham are at the table for him it'd be a great signing for them."

football.london says: Chilwell has to leave Chelsea next year because there are no signs of the former England international outlasting head coach Enzo Maresca at Stamford Bridge. West Ham would make sense for many of the reasons Robinson outlined, and the left-back would assumedly displace Emerson in that position after playing ahead of the Italy international at Stamford Bridge.