Arsenal 'make contact' over Isak transfer but are only his second choice

Arsenal have remained in contact with Real Sociedad as they weigh up a move for Alexander Isak, but the forward is keen to join Barcelona.

The Gunners are in need of forward recruits as they face the prospect of a mass exodus at the Emirates.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was allowed to leave for nothing in January without a replacement being sought.

Arsenal spent much of the month chasing Dusan Vlahovic, who eventually swapped Fiorentina for Juventus.

Isak was a late option for the north London outfit, but Sociedad were unwilling to sanction a mid-season exit unless his £74.7million release clause was triggered.

It leaves Mikel Arteta short with Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah seeing their contracts expire at the end of the season.

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According to Sport, the Gunners have remained in contact with the LaLiga outfit and Isak's representatives.

However the Swede, who has scored eight times, has his sights set on a move to Barcelona.

Isak is prepared to force the move to the Nou Camp once the season ends if the Catalans are ready to pursue a move.

Barcelona's main target is Erling Haaland, who is due to leave Borussia Dortmund this summer, but the likes of Real Madrid and Manchester City are also ready to pursue the Norwegian.

Arsenal may have to consider other options, with Everton's Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Jonathan David at Lille also on their shortlist.

Arteta insists the club's lack of January activity was a conscious decision, rather than something that they were forced in to.

He said: "Edu and his team did a fantastic job and they continue to do that.

"We only want the best players and the best people in this club. When we are in a rush and the reasons are not right for getting a player into the club, we decide not to do it."

Isak was quizzed on his future and claimed, whilst he is currently at the Anoeta, he is not making any guarantees beyond this season.

"I am not talking about other clubs," he confessed.

"I am a Real player, I work here and this is my club. My work is on the pitch, and as I told you before, there are other people who work outside."

He was also asked if he will stay at Sociedad, to which he responded: "You can never be sure of anything.

"As I always say, you never know what can happen in football but in the end I'm here, happy, and nothing more."