Howe sends strong Isak message to Arsenal as Gyokeres plan becomes clear

Tom Weber

Updated: 2 May 2025 12:24 BST
4 min read

Alexander Isak, Viktor Gyokeres, Sweden — © IMAGO

Arsenal will have to focus all their attention on securing Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres as Eddie Howe has once again reiterated that Newcastle star Alexander Isak is not for sale under any circumstances.

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The Gunners are in the market for a new No.9 this summer and are known admirers of Isak. The Newcastle sharpshooter is Mikel Arteta's 'dream target' for the centre-forward position as he is Premier League-proven, the perfect age and versatile.

Compared

Alexander Isak

F (C)

Newcastle Utd.

Alexander Isak

F (C)

Newcastle Utd.

VS

Viktor Gyökeres

F (C)

Sporting CP

Viktor Gyökeres

F (C)

Sporting CP

2024/2025

Season Statistics

2024/2025

39	Appearances	48
6	Assists	12
26	Goals	52

However, the Magpies have repeatedly made it clear that it would take something absolutely extraordinary for them to even begin to consider a sale of their star striker, who has immortalised himself by helping them lift the Carabao Cup.

This has forced Arsenal to consider alternatives. Benjamin Sesko was long considered the Gunners' top Isak alternative, but new sporting director Andrea Berta has decided that he wants a more proven striker.

As such, Arsenal have reignited their interest in Sporting CP forward Viktor Gyokeres, and they are considered the clear favourites to sign him, especially after Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim seemingly ruled out a move for his former protégé.

Howe sends clear Isak message

Speaking to the media ahead of Sunday's clash with Brighton, Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has now once more reiterated in no uncertain terms that Arsenal and all the other suitors of Isak will have to look elsewhere for a new striker.

"He's not for sale from my perspective," Howe began. "I want to build a squad, I want the strongest squad possible for next season. There's a lot to look forward to, hopefully. The end of the season is going to be crucial for us.

"We have a strong squad, and if we can add some players for the first time in a few windows, that will make a massive difference for us, so that's what I'm focused on, not the other way around."

Howe believes that Newcastle will be in a much stronger position than in previous transfer windows as they are no longer under any immediate threat of falling foul of Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).

"The PSR deadline plays a huge role for clubs – both those clubs with PSR issues and those without – because those without may potentially look to try to sign players," Howe explained. “They will look to take advantage of other clubs, as clubs did to us last year, quite rightly.

“It’s a really interesting dynamic and one that we’re really aware of and that we’ll try to use to our advantage if we can. I can’t go into the details of that, but no doubt we’ve got people at the club who are working very hard behind the scenes on it.”

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