Alexander Isak is in the form of his life at Newcastle United, and it is showing no signs of stopping.
The striker failed to find the net against Manchester United on Sunday, but still managed a spectacular assist for Sandro Tonali’s opener.
Alexander Isak is a history maker at Newcastle United in more ways than one. Recently, he became the first player to score 20 goals in consecutive Premier League seasons for the club with his fine finish in the win against Brentford in early April.
During the Magpies’ spectacular mid-season winning streak, Isak overtook Alan Shearer and Joe Willock’s club record for the most consecutive goals in league games with eight.
The Swede has not scored in his last two league games, but it is not for the want of trying. Isak was denied a goal in the first half thanks to a spectacular save from Iltay Bayindir.
Isak’s Newcastle future has been a topic of discussion recently, with Liverpool reportedly keen on making a move for the 25-year-old this summer. The idea was that Isak was to replace Mohamed Salah at Liverpool before the Egyptian signed a new deal, so there is no indication they will be able to afford him or are still interested in him.
With Isak’s future a big topic of discussion, former Arsenal star turned pundit Ian Wright has recently heaped praise on the Newcastle striker.
Ian Wright on why he loves Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak
Arsenal have had a torrid time against Newcastle this season, losing all three games they have played against each other, including both legs of the Carabao Cup semi-final.
Isak was a problem for Mikel Arteta’s side in all three of those games, scoring in two and reaking havoc on his defence in the second leg at St James’ Park.
Alan Shearer joked with Wright about Isak on social media after the Carabao Cup win after defenders William Saliba and Gabriel could do very little to contain him.
- Who is Alexander Isak? The striker who burned his Newcastle United reputation to force £125m Liverpool transfer
Speaking on his Premier League show, Kelly and Wrighty, the former Arsenal man reflected on that game and just how good Isak is.
“Watching him against Saliba and Gabriel was torture – it was. He gave them a torrid time because they didn’t know he could pick the ball up and run at them, he could back into them, and people can run off of him, and he can link the play, he can run beyond them and score.
“I remember Alan and I were texting afterwards about how watching a centre forward like this is very exciting because you don’t see it, especially against the top defenders in the league. You don’t see them get run around. You don’t see them get run ragged.
“To watch my two centre-halves get run ragged like that is the reason why he’s probably linked with us, because there is no way Saliba and Gabriel are not saying to Mikel ‘we’ve got to go and get that guy’
“When you’ve got someone like him, he can do everything. He’s not needing anyone in particular to play off him. He’s got a decent midfield to play off him, wingers who look to put the ball in the box because he’s a great header as well. He can fit into most systems, and you would probably change the system a bit for him.”
Arsenal have found their Alexander Isak alternative
Newcastle want at least £120m for Isak, a fee that would break the British record transfer fee and empty the pockets of any interested party.
It is a fee that very few, if any clubs can afford this summer, especially Arsenal.
That means the Gunners have turned their attentions elsewhere and have their sights set on a player who has been linked with a move to Newcastle in the past.
Arsenal want Benjamin Sesko this summer and are willing to pay the £62m required to buy him from Bundesliga side RB Leipzig.
Elsewhere, Arsenal have been linked with Viktor Gyokores, a striker Isak loves playing alongside.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
