Alexander Isak breaks silence on Arsenal links – after talks over Newcastle contract extension were shelved

Alexander Isak has insisted he remains focused on Newcastle despite ongoing links with a potential move to Premier League rivals Arsenal.

Mail Sport revealed last month that Newcastle are not in contract talks with Isak, with no plans to enter negotiations with more than three years to run on his current deal.

Preliminary talks had begun at the end of last season over a new deal before being ceased, with a feeling that the striker and his camp were reluctant to commit.

Isak remains keen to play Champions League football, with Arsenal seen as a potential suitor should the Magpies fail to return to Europe’s elite competition.

The Swedish star was asked about links to Arsenal during the international break, with the Gunners continuing their search for a top class forward.

Isak has been linked with Arsenal after talks over a contract extension at Newcastle ceased

Isak insisted his thoughts remain focused on having a successful season at Newcastle and claimed he is unaffected by speculation over his future.

‘Throughout my career, I have never talked about or really commented on the move rumours during the season,’ Isak told Fotbal Skanalen. 

‘There have been many such years where it has been talked about. It doesn’t affect me.

‘I am commenting on my situation in Newcastle, and I have never had any problem there. 

‘I am fully focused on my task there and that we will have a fantastic season. 

‘There are still great opportunities for that. I have no thoughts about anything else.’

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe had admitted last month that Isak’s situation was ‘slightly more complex’ than Anthony Gordon’s, after the England winger agreed a fresh contract at the club.

Howe had suggested Newcastle were not in a position financially to give Isak a new contract, with the 25-year-old already among their top earners.

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has admitted the club are not in a position to offer a new deal

Isak scored Newcastle’s winner when the two clubs met earlier this month at St James’ Park

‘I think with Alex he’s got a long contract anyway and we have to be really careful regarding our spending due to PSR. It’s not a clear cut situation,’ Howe said.

 ‘Every decision we make as a football club has a knock-on effect. For contract renewals, there is a knock-on effect for PSR, and we have to make sure we don’t put ourselves in a position where we can’t act freely in the transfer windows because of what we have done with individual player contracts.

‘We of course love Alex and are desperate for him to stay at Newcastle for many years and score loads of goals for us, but I don’t see a short-term issue with his contract. 

‘At this moment in time, Alex just needs to focus on his football. Whether that is him saying, “I’m fine. I’ve got four years left on my contract, I’m happy at the club and I just want to play my best football”. That is the ideal world.

‘But, of course, nothing in football is straightforward, so I’m sure there will be ongoing discussions between Alex, his representatives and the club. Alex can only help his situation by playing well.’

Isak had given potential suitors Arsenal a reminder of his ability earlier this month, with his early header giving Newcastle a 1-0 win over the Gunners.

The forward has scored five goals in 11 matches so far this season, but Newcastle remain eighth after a mixed start to the Premier League season.