Chelsea will see their pursuit of Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak ‘defined in the coming weeks’ amid fresh reports that the London outfit is willing to splurge £63 million on the talisman’s services in an upcoming transfer window.
The Swedish international has been the centre of plentiful transfer speculation in recent times having proved a revelation at St James’ Park. The forward signed for the Magpies for £63 million in 2022 and still has another four years on his current deal.
Chelsea ready Newcastle United bid
However, Spanish outlet Fichajes reports that Newcastle United could be open to accepting a bid for Isak with a mind to reinvest in other parts of the squad after a hit-and-miss start to the season, even if that Chelsea £63 million bid did not represent a profit.
The Magpies are said to be looking at Paris Saint-Germain forward Randal Kolo Muani as a potential replacement with Luis Enrique not viewing the striker as part of his plans in the French capital. Any progress on that deal could aid Chelsea’s pursuit of Isak.
The report adds that it is not known whether Chelsea would push for a January or summer move, but that ‘everything indicates’ that the situation will be solved before the end of the calendar year. It adds that Isak’s own stance on his future will be ‘fundamental’ in the transfer saga.
The Newcastle United talisman has managed just two Premier League goals this season, the second coming in Saturday’s 1-0 win over Arsenal at St James’ Park. Isak has struggled with a toe injury but is yet to find the form that saw him plunder 21 league goals last term.
Chelsea have also been linked with transfer interest for fellow Newcastle United forward Callum Wilson in recent windows, however a deal never emerged from those rumours with the 32-year-old regularly struggling with injury problems.
The Guardian reports that Arsenal are also ‘admirers’ of Isak and monitoring his transfer situation. That came in a recent look at the player’s contract situation on Tyneside.
Speaking about a new deal, Howe said: “I want Alex to be focused on football. If that’s him saying I’ve got four years left on my contract, I’m happy at the football club and I just want to play my best football, that’s the ideal world.
“But nothing in football’s straightforward so I’m sure there will be ongoing discussions between Alex, his representatives and the club. But my main job at the moment is just to get Alex fit and playing his best football, enjoying his best football and scoring goals.”
