Arsenal’s transfer pursuit of Alexander Isak has taken a huge twist following an unfortunate financial blow for Newcastle. The Gunners have shown a keen interest in Isak over the last few months but looked to have been completely put off by the stunning asking price set by the Magpies which is close to £200million.
RB Leipzig star Benjamin Sesko is another striker target for Arsenal and he looks set to cost significantly less. The German club are not exactly keen on him departing though with attempts made to get him to sign a new contract and stay for another season.
Newcastle are also unlikely to sanction a sale for their star attacker but the need to comply with profit and sustainability concerns is present. Therefore, parting ways with a marquee player could be necessary, with Bruno Guimaraes another of interest to Arsenal that could be sold.
After a 4-2 win against Brentford on the final day of the season, Newcastle finished in seventh which looked set to be enough to secure a UEFA Conference League qualification spot. However, because of their league position, Newcastle were the team at risk of missing out on European football if Manchester United, who finished below them, won the FA Cup.
And against the odds, Erik ten Hag guided his team to a victory over bitter rivals Manchester City at Wembley Stadium. As such, Newcastle will not play in Europe next season and with that disappears a major financial boost with eight less fixtures also on their calendar.
