Speculation that Arsenal could make a late attempt to beat Liverpool to a blockbuster transfer for Newcastle's wantaway striker, Alexander Isak, is said to have been dismissed out of hand by the club.
The Gunners have previously been linked with a move for Isak, who is unsettled at St James' Park. The 26-year-old has more recently been the subject of an offer from Liverpool, with both the player and the Premier League champions keen on the idea of Isak spearheading their new-look attack.
Newcastle do not want to lose their star striker, though, and it remains to be seen if all parties will reach a compromisebefore the transfer window shuts on September 1.
But while some expect Liverpool to be successful in their pursuit of the Sweden international, news of an injury to Kai Havertz earlier this week had prompted suggestions in some circles that Arsenal could insert themselves into the summer's biggest transfer saga.
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The Independent outline that such talk was rife among 'senior officials' at the PFA awards earlier this week on the same night that Isak himself released an explosive statement on social media. The publication added, though, that Arsenal gave short shrift to such suggestions, replying that there was "no chance" of a move being made. They have since agreed a deal with Crystal Palace to sign Eberechi Eze.
Isak's future remains up in the air as we approach the final days of the summer transfer window. In his statement, Isak accused the club of 'breaking promises' before outlining that the relationship between him and Newcastle "can't continue".
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The striker missed Newcastle's Premier League opener last weekend and will be absent again on Monday when the Magpies travel to Anfield to play Liverpool. Eddie Howe conceded that the ongoing stand-off between Isak and the club is a "lose-lose situation" during his press conference on Friday.
“It’s a sad moment. These things being made public doesn’t reflect well on us, or Alex. It’s been an unfortunate few months that looks like it will come to an end pretty quickly.”
He went on to admit that he was uncertain how the saga would conclude, adding: “I’m not a fortune teller. I’ve got no way of knowing what will happen in the next few days. But he’s contracted to us, he’s our player.”
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