LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 24: Alexander Isak of Newcastle United looks on during the Premier League ... [+]
Top level centre forwards are difficult to find at the elite level of European soccer. Just look at Arsenal. While the Gunners mounted a genuine Premier League title challenge until the final day of the season, they utilised Kai Havertz as a number nine when the German international is most comfortable as an attacking midfielder.
Chelsea and Manchester United have also had their troubles in finding a quality centre forward to lead the line with both clubs spending over the odds to sign strikers on the basis of their potential rather than their current level - see Manchester United’s £72m signing of Rasmus Hojlund from Atalanta last summer.
This explains why there is such reported interest in Alexander Isak. The Swedish striker found the back of the net 21 times in 30 Premier League appearances for Newcastle United last season and has been recently linked with Arsenal and Chelsea. The Magpies are believed to have slapped a £115m price tag on their prize asset.
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - AUGUST 12: Alexander Isak of Newcastle United is embraced by manager ... [+]
Newcastle must do everything it can to keep hold of Isak. Eddie Howe’s team suffered a regression last season, falling out of the Champions League places and ultimately finishing seventh in the Premier League table, but the St James’ Park club still harbours ambitions of competing for titles and honours.
Not only is Isak one of Newcastle’s best players, he encapsulates the model in place at the club. While Isak certainly wasn’t cheap, costing £63m from Real Sociedad in August 2022, but the Magpies targeted him for his potential, moulding him into one of the best centre forwards in English soccer at St James’ Park.
Of course, there are other top quality players in Howe’s squad. Bruno Guimaraes is one of the best central midfielders in the Premier League with Sven Botman an exceptional central defender when he’s fit. Kieran Trippier is also experienced at the elite level. Isak, however, is the rarest of assets currently at St James’ Park.
Newcastle United's Alexander Isak scores their side's fourth goal of the game during the Premier ... [+]
Even if Newcastle was to collect £115m for Isak, where would they find a centre forward of his level for the same money? The Swede has already proved himself in the Premier League and is still only 24. He has time to improve further and join the likes of Haaland and Kylian Mbappe as one of the best attackers in the world.
This summer presents Newcastle United with a critical juncture in its efforts to become one of the best teams in England. The club has already lost its sporting director Dan Ashworth to Manchester United and is now facing competition for its best players from rivals. Isak is central to the entire project.
