Eddie Howe's transfer pledge on Alexander Isak amid ongoing Arsenal speculation
EDDIE HOWE has spelled out Newcastle United’s determination to hold on to Alexander Isak during next month’s transfer window, and challenged the Swede to become the striker that helps the Magpies end their trophy drought.
Isak became the first Newcastle player to score a hat-trick for more than half-a-decade this afternoon as his three goals enabled the Magpies to beat Ipswich Town 4-0.
The 25-year-old has been in a rich vein of form for the last couple of months, scoring ten goals in his last 11 matches, with his performances leading to renewed speculation about his future.
Arsenal have long been linked with a move for Isak, but while Newcastle continue to be constrained by the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability regulations, Howe insists there is now way the Magpies would consider selling Isak in January, no matter what offer is placed on the table.
“We absolutely want to keep Alex at the football club,” said Howe, whose side climbed to seventh in the table thanks to their win at Portman Road. “There’s no part of me, or anybody at Newcastle, that wants to let Alex go. He’s very much part of our long-term plans. Personally, I don’t see that being an issue.”
Whether Newcastle can continue to satisfy Isak’s personal ambitions remains to be seen, although Howe is adamant that is not an issue at the moment.
The Sweden international is one of the most highly-rated strikers in Europe, but while he could walk into some of the leading club sides on the continent, Howe claims winning a trophy would Newcastle would rank alongside anything he could achieve elsewhere.
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When asked whether he could convince Isak to remain on Tyneside, he said: “I don't think necessarily at this stage that we have to. He is motivated and he wants to do well. He has big aspirations for his career. He is still relatively young and still has a bright future ahead of him.
“I know his desire to score goals is second to none. Every conversation I had about Newcastle concerning his future with him has been very positive. I would love for him, and other players, to be the man who contributes to us winning a trophy. That is the aim.”
Isak is contracted to Newcastle until 2028, and while there have been suggestions that talks over a new deal stalled before the start of the season, Howe insists that is not the case.
Instead, the Magpies boss says the length of Isak’s current contract means no one has felt compelled to initiate discussions over a new deal.
“I don’t think contract talks started,” said Howe. “That is the issue. If you are going to say they stalled, how can they? They never started.
“He has a long contract. I am sure when the time comes it will be discussed by Alex's representatives and the football club. But I don't know too much more.”
