Alexander Isak to Arsenal transfer latest as Newcastle star set for perfect Mikel Arteta audition

Newcastle United star Alexander Isak could be handed the perfect audition against Arsenal in the Premier League if he is fully fit to feature.

The Gunners will head to St James' Park on Saturday lunchtime, with Anthony Gordon and Isak facing late assessments. The latter has been strongly linked with a move to the Emirates during the summer as manager Mikel Arteta explores new opportunities to strengthen his attacking options.

Isak however, still has four years remaining on his current deal and reports suggest talks are underway over an extension under fresh terms. After not signing a new striker in the summer, sporting director Edu and Co could attack the transfer market in the new year.

With that said, football.london has taken a look at the latest surrounding Isak ahead of Arsenal's clash with Newcastle.

Isak stance

Last month, The Daily Mail reported that if the Magpies don't qualify for the Champions League for next season then Isak will seek a move. The report states that there are doubts in his camp over the speed of the project at St. James' Park.

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It's said that there were preliminary discussions towards the end of last season, but the striker and his entourage were reluctant to commit. The report adds that Arsenal would 'likely' be prepared to break the British transfer record on Isak.

Speaking to Swedish outlet Fotbollskanalen in June, Isak commented on his future. He said: "I'm enjoying myself very, very much in Newcastle. I just had the best season of my career. That should not be underestimated.

"I love everything really about the club, the fans, the city. I actually have no thoughts of a move, or anything like that. I enjoy myself fantastically well and am very happy with my life."

Eddie Howe's comments

The Magpies boss Howe insisted he isn't worried about the prospect of Isak leaving the club. "Alex has a long contract and we have to be really careful with our spending re PSR," said Howe.

"I don’t see short-term issue with his contract. At this moment, Alex just needs to focus on football. We love him here and want him to stay."

Jamie Carragher verdict

The Liverpool legend believes only Erling Haaland is better than the Newcastle striker. He explained: "I think when he's fit and firing, most people in the league, no matter who you support, would say he's the one you look at probably looks at him after Haaland.

However, he expressed his concern bout Isak's injury record, adding: "The one thing with him, it very rarely feels like he can play for a full season, every few weeks you think he's missing a game for one reason or another. He's got to make sure he stays fit, if he does, he's been a sensational signing and I think he's one of the top centre-forwards in the Premier League."

Contract details

It has been well-documented that Newcastle want to tie the Swede down to an improved and more secure deal, but there are yet to be any breakthroughs on this front. The current deal is in place until at least 2028, so there is little worry over the player's value being affected by a diminishing contract.

However, there is perhaps concern that the longer he goes without a renewal is something of a flag to suitors that a move might indeed be an option. From an Arsenal perspective, sporting director Edu is known to have transfer plans in place months ahead of a window opening, be that January or the summer. Isak's situation is sure to be on the Gunners' radar.

Release clause claim

In order to commit his future to Newcastle, Isak is said to want to become the club's top earner and also have a significant release clause, according to talkSPORT.

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