Arsenal Drop Interest in Alexander Isak Following Gyökeres Signing

Arsenal have officially ended their pursuit of Newcastle United forward Alexander Isak following the club’s successful acquisition of Viktor Gyökeres from Sporting CP. The North London side, who had once considered Isak a priority target, opted to back out of negotiations due to the high transfer fee demanded by Newcastle and the player’s importance to their squad.

Viktor Gyökeres, the Swedish international who scored over 50 goals last season for Sporting, has now completed a high-profile move to the Emirates Stadium. The deal, reportedly worth around £55–64 million, is viewed as a more financially practical option than Isak, who is valued at over £100 million and was never formally placed on the market by Newcastle.

While Arsenal had explored multiple attacking options earlier in the summer, club sources indicate that Gyökeres was manager Mikel Arteta’s preferred choice, offering physical presence, finishing ability, and the versatility to slot into Arsenal’s high-tempo system. Despite interest in Isak, the financial demands and Newcastle’s refusal to engage in serious discussions made the transfer unlikely from the start.

Arsenal’s technical team also considered other factors beyond price. Isak’s history of injuries and Newcastle’s Champions League ambitions meant the Magpies were not under pressure to sell. Instead, the Gunners moved decisively to secure Gyökeres, who is seen as capable of leading the line alongside the likes of Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli.

With the striker position now reinforced, Arsenal are expected to focus on other key areas in the squad. The club is still linked with names like Eberechi Eze of Crystal Palace and continues to monitor opportunities in the midfield and defensive lines. However, club sources say no further marquee striker signings are planned for this window.

As the Premier League season draws nearer, Arsenal’s transfer strategy appears to be falling into place—with Gyökeres at the heart of a forward line Arteta hopes can finally deliver silverware after two near misses in the title race. The decision to abandon the Isak pursuit signals a clear message from the club: ambition will be matched with financial discipline and realistic planning.