Arsenal have reportedly submitted a final bid for Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak as they prepare for the summer transfer window.
The Gunners have had a strong Premier League campaign but are once again set to finish as runners-up for the third consecutive season.
Over the weekend, they narrowed the gap to league leaders Liverpool to 12 points with a 1-0 victory over Chelsea, secured by a Mikel Merino header.
However, with Arne Slot’s side focused on the League Cup final and having lost just once in the league all season, a significant collapse would be required to give Arsenal any hope of clinching the title.
While their Champions League aspirations remain alive with a quarter-final clash against Real Madrid next month, Arsenal have already begun plotting their summer reinforcements.
Strengthening their attacking options is a clear priority for Mikel Arteta, who is keen to enhance both his centre-forward and wide positions.
Among the targets linked to the Gunners in recent months, Isak has been at the forefront. However, Newcastle have been reluctant to consider parting ways with their Swedish forward.
According to Spanish outlet Fichajes, Arsenal have now tabled a ‘final offer’ of €120m (£101m) for Isak, underlining their determination to bring him to the Emirates.
The report states that while negotiations won’t be straightforward, sources close to the player have not dismissed the possibility of a transfer should the proposal be enticing enough.
The publication added, “Arsenal’s interest in Isak isn’t new, but it has grown in recent months due to the need to find a reliable number 9.
“Arteta believes the Swede would bring mobility, power, and goalscoring power to a team that, while creating plenty of chances, has lacked impact in the penalty area. The investment would be high, but the Emirates are convinced that signing Isak would represent a leap in quality for the squad.”
Meanwhile, former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has weighed in on the potential move, suggesting that securing Isak’s signature could be the key to Arsenal’s Premier League title ambitions next season.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ferdinand said, “Arsenal fans have been calling out for a No.9 for two or three years.
“If you can sign Isak, you’ve got to do it. They could win the league with him because he’s phenomenal and gives them something different.
“They’ve put so many good pieces in but they need that little extra now.”
With Arsenal determined to bolster their attacking firepower, all eyes will be on Newcastle’s response to their latest and most significant bid for Isak.
