'I love' - Arsenal delivered transfer blow as Newcastle United hold talks with 25-goal striker

Alexander Isak has distanced himself from rumours linking him with a move away from Newcastle United this summer.

The Sweden star netted 25 goals in all competitions last season, becoming the first Magpies player since Alan Shearer to reach that tally. Since joining from Real Sociedad in a club-record £63million deal in 2022, Isak boasts an incredible record of 35 goals in 67 appearances.

His form and the club’s pressures to comply with Premier League Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR) has led to speculation over his future - the most prominent link being Arsenal with Isak drawing comparisons to Thierry Henry. But Isak insists he hasn’t given the rumours a thought as he expressed how happy he is on Tyneside.

“I’m really, really happy at Newcastle. I had my best season of my career,” Isak told Swedish outlet Fotbollskanalen. You can’t underestimate that. I love everything about the club, the fans, the city,” he said.

“I don’t really have any thoughts of moving or anything like that. I’m having a great time and I’m very happy with my life.

“It’s not something I speculate about. Within the team or the club, there has been no talk or drama around it. I have not received any information from the club that they would have to sell me.”

Newcastle have been strong in their message that Isak is not for sale. United boss Eddie Howe has regularly spoke about the importance of building a team around the Swede and teammate Bruno Guimaraes, whose £100million release clause is active until the final week of June.

Having negotiated a new deal for Guimaraes last year, the Magpies are hoping to do the same with Isak. According to i News, initial talks have taken place with the 24-year-old’s representatives. It’s claimed the former Borussia Dortmund striker would become one of the highest paid players in the club’s history if he recommits.