When he is being quizzed about his future at Newcastle, it would appear that Alexander Isak is just as composed as when he is in front of goal.
The Sweden striker was pressed during the international break over whether he could be leaving St James’ Park next summer, with Arsenal touted as his most likely destination.
Reports of contract talks stalling have only added further fuel to the fire, but Isak is refusing to let it distract him.
“Throughout my career, I have never talked about or really commented on the move rumours during the season,” he told Fotbollskanalen in Sweden.
“There have been many such years where it has been talked about. It doesn’t affect me. I am commenting on my situation in Newcastle, and I have never had any problem there.
“I am fully focused on my task there and that we will have a fantastic season. There are still great opportunities for that. I have no thoughts about anything else.
“The only thing I can say is that a lot of information and rumours often come out. Much of what I read is not true. So that’s about all I can say about the whole thing.”
It is not hard to see why Arsenal are interested in Isak. Only Erling Haaland and Cole Palmer scored more goals in the Premier League last season, while he has struck four times in nine games so far this campaign.
Arsenal will look to bolster their forward line next summer and have been linked with a number of strikers, including RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko and Sporting’s Viktor Gyokeres.
Both players, like Isak, boast impressive records in front of goal and would undoubtedly give the Gunners more firepower.
Isak, however, has the added bonus of being Premier League proven, which is a trait Arsenal have favoured in their most recent transfer business.
Declan Rice, Jorginho and Leandro Trossard are all signings that point towards that fact and Isak would fall into the same category.
HIs versatility also works in his favour. Arsenal’s form this season has shown how they need more depth through the middle and out wide in attack.
Isak can play as a conventional No9, but he is also able to operate out left, too. In that sense, it is easy to see how he could work with Arsenal’s preferred striker, Kai Havertz, for some games, as opposed to replacing him in the team.
Havertz has performed well as a No9 for Arsenal since the turn of the year, but he needs greater competition. Gabriel Jesus has struggled with form and injury, which has put greater pressure on the German.
Isak would offer competition and also a different way of playing for Mikel Arteta’s side. Hav
