Arsenal transfer news: Gunners 'given final answer' on Alexander Isak transfer

The 24-year-old was one of the first major signings of the Magpies' new era under the leadership of extremely wealthy owners from Saudi Arabia.

Isak made the high-profile switch from La Liga outfit Real Sociedad to St James' Park during the summer transfer window of 2022 for around £63m.

Since landing in the North-East, the Sweden international has certainly repaid the faith shown in him by Newcastle, netting 35 goals in 67 matches across all competitions.

An exceptional record of 21 Premier League goals from 30 top-flight matches could only be bettered by Erling Haaland and Cole Palmer during the 2023-24 campaign.

Newcastle put Arsenal-linked Isak off limits?

According to The Independent, Newcastle United have delivered a crucial bit of transfer news to a host of European powerhouses ahead of the new season.

The report claims that Eddie Howe's men have informed Arsenal and other potential suitors that Isak is not up for sale during the closing stages of the summer.

The Gunners' London rivals Chelsea have also been credited with an interest in the Swede during this calendar year, a narrative that first sprung up in January.

It is understood that Newcastle were demanding at least £115m for the services of Isak in the New Year, a price tag that deterred plenty of possible purchasers.

Following the sales of Yankuba Minteh and Elliot Anderson prior to the June 30 accounting deadline, the Magpies are no longer desperate offload major assets.

What are Arsenal's other options?

With a move for Newcastle's Isak shelved for this summer at least, Arsenal must look elsewhere if they are to bolster their attacking ranks ahead of the new season.

It might be a case of squad replenishment for the Gunners should they lose Eddie Nketiah, who is edging closer to a move to Ligue 1 outfit Marseille.

The 25-year-old and Les Olympiens have agreed a personal terms, although the two clubs are struggling to shake hands on a suitable transfer fee.

Benjamin Sesko was another target for Mikel Arteta's side in the striking department, however the Slovenian has since signed a contract extension at RB Leipzig.