Arsenal have decided on Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak as their No. 1 option in their search for a striker, while Chelsea’s
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TOP STORIES
– Arsenal sporting director Edu resigns from post
– Amorim to have say on Man United contract renewals – sources
– Mohamed Salah posts cryptic note about Liverpool future
TRENDING RUMORS
– Arsenal are lining up a move for Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak, reports TeamTalk. The Gunners have identified the 25-year-old Sweden international as their dream signing amid their search for a striker and placed him at the top of their shortlist. Isak, who scored the decisive goal in Newcastle’s 1-0 win over Arsenal on Saturday, wants to move to a club in the Champions League should he decide to leave St. James’ Park.
– Barcelona believe they can sign Sporting CP star Viktor Gyökeres for €60-70m, according to Diario Sport. The former Coventry City striker has a release clause of €100m, but the report says that Barcelona can negotiate a lower amount.
– Bayern Munich have placed Eintracht Frankfurt striker Omar Marmoush on their shortlist, reports Sky Sports Deutschland’s Florian Plettenberg. The Bundesliga club are reported to be exploring a move for the 25-year-old next summer, having been impressed by his performance against them in the 3-3 Bundesliga draw in October. An offer between €50 million to €60m would be required to land his signature, though Liverpool are also keen on his services.
– Two clubs in Europe are monitoring the situation of Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernández, reports The Sun. Barcelona and Internazionale are reported to be interested in the 23-year-old, amid the belief that he could be moved on after losing his spot in manager Enzo Maresca’s starting lineup. It is said that he is “determined” to stay and fight for his place at Stamford Bridge, but he has “no intention” of sticking around if he remains a substitute for several months.
– Juventus are interested in AC Milan centre-back Fikayo Tomori, reports Calciomercato. The 26-year-old could be moved on next summer, with the Rossoneri willing to part ways with him if they receive an offer over €20m. Multiple Premier League clubs are also considered “admirers” of the centre-back. They could be set to scout him when Milan face Real Madrid in the Champions League at the Bernabeu on Tuesday.
Gab & Juls discuss the impact of Arsenal sporting director Edu Gaspar.
EXPERT TAKE
Senior Writer James Olley gives his take on a possible move for Alexander Isak from Newcastle to Arsenal.
Arsenal have kept an eye on Alexander Isak for a long time. Although at his best as a centre-forward, Isak can operate off the right and that versatility makes him of particular appeal to Mikel Arteta, who values that asset in his attacking players.
The Gunners got a reminder of what the 25-year-old offers when losing at St James’ Park last weekend: quick, mobile and able to occupy defenders, Isak consistently unsettled the usually stoic centre-back pairing of William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães.
Isak’s brilliant 12th-minute header — an atypical goal for him — was a further demonstration of his all-round talent, and the pressure on Arteta to move for a striker will grow the more Arsenal fall off the pace in the Premier League title race.
They were keen on signing a striker this summer but reassessed their options after primary target Benjamin Sesko chose to sign a new contract with RB Leipzig.
Sesko could yet become available next summer but, either way, Isak will not be a cheap alternative given Newcastle circulated in the summer that they were reluctant to let him leave and valued him in excess of the British transfer record, which stands at £115m.
Isak is under contract until 2028 and Newcastle are therefore not under pressure, although compliance with UEFA’s financial fair play regulations was an issue for them in the past.
OTHER RUMORS
– Bayern Munich attacking midfielder Jamal Musiala is set to consider his future over the winter break. A new contract for the 21-year-old is a key priority for the Bundesliga club, but he intends to stall on his decision until at least January. Musiala has been in impressive form of late with four goals and an assist in the last three league matches, and he has previously been linked with Manchester City. (Bild)
– Sacked Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag didn’t want to sign Joshua Zirkzee in the summer, with the £36.5m move instigated by INEOS’ new management team — who identified the 23-year-old as good value for money. (The Sun)
– Chelsea are not looking to move on Benoit Badiashile and he is seen as part of the club’s long-term project. The centre-back, 23, has made only one Premier League appearance this season. (Fabrizio Romano)
– Morgan Rogers is set to be offered a contract extension by Aston Villa. The midfielder, who joined Villa from Middlesbrough in January, has scoring three goals and provided three assists this season. (Football Insider)
– Sevilla are monitoring Paris Saint-Germain defender Milan Skriniar. The 29-year-old has made just three appearances this season and could be placed on the transfer list in January. (Estadio Deportivo)
– Barcelona will look to move on Frenkie de Jong or Ronald Araujo if they do not sign new contracts. If Barcelona have a successful season, interest in Nico Williams or Rafael Leao could even be shelved. (Relevo)
– Lille president Olivier Letang says the club have offered a new deal to Jonathan David, who is out of contract next summer. The striker has been linked with a free transfer move to several clubs, including Barcelona, Juventus and Newcastle. (Tuttosport)
