The summer transfer window has once again delivered another jaw-dropping twist, and this time, it’s coming straight out of the Emirates Stadium. Arsenal, who looked all set to sign Sporting CP’s prolific striker Viktor Gyokeres, are now being strongly linked with a stunning move for Newcastle United’s superstar forward Alexander Isak. After weeks of back-and-forth discussions with Sporting, reports now suggest that the Gunners may be on the verge of executing a sudden switch – a dramatic pivot that could completely reshape their attacking plans for the 2025/26 Premier League season.
For weeks, Arsenal fans have been closely following the Viktor Gyokeres transfer saga, believing the Swedish striker was just days away from signing on the dotted line. A fee, reportedly in the region of €90 million, was said to have been agreed between Arsenal and Sporting CP. But as with so many big-money transfers, the devil is in the details. Talks over add-ons, performance-based clauses, and the overall structure of payments have hit a frustrating wall. Sporting, holding firm on their valuation, are unwilling to budge. And Arsenal? They’re starting to look elsewhere.
Yes, the 25-year-old Swedish sensation who lit up the Premier League last season with 21 goals in 32 appearances for Newcastle is now the man on Arsenal’s radar. Sources close to the situation claim that Arsenal’s recruitment team, led by Edu Gaspar and manager Mikel Arteta, are growing increasingly frustrated with the lack of progress in the Gyokeres deal. And while Gyokeres remains admired by the Arsenal hierarchy, they see Isak as an equally dangerous, if not more complete, option for their forward line.
After narrowly missing out on the Premier League title last season, Arsenal entered the summer transfer window with one key objective: signing a world-class striker to compete with the likes of Erling Haaland, Darwin Núñez, and Ollie Watkins. With Gabriel Jesus struggling for form and injuries, and Eddie Nketiah yet to make that leap into elite territory, Arteta and Edu knew they needed a more prolific presence in the box.
Viktor Gyokeres, with his 43 goals in all competitions for Sporting CP last season, looked like the perfect fit. A physically dominant, aggressive forward with excellent link-up play and an eye for goal, Gyokeres matched the profile Arsenal wanted: powerful, direct, technical, and available.
Arsenal scouts had tracked him all season. The player was said to be open to the move. The deal felt inevitable. Fans were excited. But Sporting CP refused to back down in negotiations. They pointed to the player’s €100 million release clause and demanded Arsenal meet it in full. Arsenal, while willing to spend big, wanted to structure the deal more creatively – offering around €85m up front, with the rest in achievable add-ons.
As tensions began to rise behind closed doors, Edu and Arteta reportedly began evaluating alternative options. And it didn’t take long for one name to rise to the top of their list: Alexander Isak.
Isak was a player that Arsenal had shown interest in as far back as 2022 when he was still playing for Real Sociedad in La Liga. At that time, Arsenal considered signing him but opted against paying his £75 million release clause. Newcastle stepped in and sealed the deal, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Fast forward to now, and Isak has blossomed into one of the deadliest strikers in England. Tall, technical, fast, and clinical – Isak’s playing style is a dream for any manager who wants a striker who can do it all. He’s not just a goal poacher – he dribbles, creates, presses, and scores. Lots of goals. And crucially, he has *Premier League experience* – a factor that’s reportedly becoming more and more important to Arteta and his staff.
Arsenal’s top brass believe Isak could be a better fit than Gyokeres due to his adaptability and familiarity with English football. They know there would be little to no adaptation period. He already scores regularly against the league’s best defenders, and he understands the pace, intensity, and physicality of the division.
Newcastle United are in a strong position. Isak is under contract until 2028, he’s one of the club’s biggest stars, and Eddie Howe sees him as the centerpiece of his project. So why would they sell? First, Newcastle need to comply with the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR). There have been reports all summer that they may need to sell at least one high-profile player to balance their books, especially after their £30m deal to sign Dominic Calvert-Lewin from Everton.
Second, Arsenal are reportedly willing to go big. Not just big – huge. Rumours suggest the North London club could table a bid in the region of £100 million to test Newcastle’s resolve.
Third, Isak himself is said to be flattered by Arsenal’s interest. He reportedly admires Mikel Arteta’s project, sees the Emirates as an exciting stage, and is drawn to the idea of Champions League football – which Arsenal can offer consistently. Newcastle, after all, missed out on UCL qualification last season. If Isak expresses a desire to make the switch, it could force Newcastle’s hand. If the Gunners can pull this deal off, they won’t just be signing a striker – they’ll be making a statement.
Alexander Isak brings:a finisher – he can create for others too. He would fit seamlessly into Arteta’s possession-heavy, fluid attacking system. He’s used to playing in a team that builds from the back, presses high, and keeps the ball. Pairing Isak with Bukayo Saka, Martin Ødegaard, and Leandro Trossard would give Arsenal one of the most exciting attacking units in Europe
Arsenal haven’t completely walked away from the Gyokeres deal. But sources say the Gunners are now “exploring alternatives aggressively.” If the Isak deal gathers momentum, it could spell the end of their interest in Gyokeres – at least for this summer.
Some fans feel it’s a shame, given how closely Arsenal had been linked to the Sporting star. But many others are welcoming the change in direction. As one fan put it online “If we can get Isak instead of Gyokeres, it’s an upgrade. He’s younger, better on the ball, and already Premier League-proven.”
If Arsenal do sign Isak, expect a major domino effect across the Premier League. Newcastle could then push harder for another striker – maybe bringing in a second forward alongside Calvert-Lewin. Sporting CP could be left scrambling to find another buyer for Gyokeres, and the likes of Chelsea or Man United may swoop in.
Arsenal’s current forwards– such as Nketiah or Jesus – could find themselves on the move. Don’t be surprised if one is sold to balance the books.
This transfer window is heating up fast, and Arsenal are at the centre of the storm. Whether Arsenal actually land Alexander Isak remains to be seen. But make no mistake – this is a power move. A statement of intent. It shows that Arteta and Edu are not content with second-best. They’re chasing the title again, and they know they need elite players to do it.
With Chelsea rebuilding, Man City strengthening again, and Liverpool looking dangerous under Arne Slot, Arsenal cannot afford to stand still. Signing Isak would send shockwaves through the league. It would prove Arsenal aren’t just back – they’re here to dominate. The message is clear: the Gyokeres deal dies, Arsenal already have the perfect Plan B – and it might be even better than
