Barcelona are unlikely to launch a bid this summer to sign Arsenal and Liverpool target Alexander Isak, according to reports in Spain.
Isak’s reputation has only risen further in recent weeks after his 22nd goal of the season in all competitions helped Newcastle clinch the Carabao Cup and end the club’s 70-year wait for a major domestic trophy.
In total, the Swede has scored 58 goals in 100 appearances for the Magpies with a host of rival Premier League clubs eyeing up a move for the striker in the summer.
Isak has long been a target for Arsenal with Mikel Arteta desperate to enlist the services of a potent option up top, while Liverpool are also thought to be considering a summer move.
Barcelona have also emerged as a rival for Isak’s signature, with senior figures at the Spanish club said to be ‘in love’ with the 25-year-old.
Get personalised updates on Arsenal everyday
Wake up to find news on your club in your inbox every morning with Metro’s Football Newsletter.
Sign up to our newsletter and then select your team in the link we’ll send you so we can get football news tailored to you.
However, the latest reports from Spanish outlet Sport suggest that while the club maintain their interest in Isak, a mega bid to sign the striker is unlikely to be sanctioned this summer.
At present, the focus for sporting director Deco is on consolidating Hansi Flick’s squad who have impressed in the Champions League and currently sit top of La Liga.
Veteran striker Robert Lewandowski could yet sign a one-year extension to extend his stay at the club, while Ferran Torres is seen as a more than capable back-up.
There is also the problem of the club’s finances which almost saw last summer’s marquee signing Dani Olmo unable to be registered for the second half of the season.
Barcelona, however, will not give up on their hopes of bringing Isak to the Nou Camp one day having held talks with the player’s represenatives at the end of last year.
The reports adds that the sale of key players like Ronald Arajuo could free up funds for a bid this summer, but it is more likely that the club will go all out to sign Isak the following summer.
The latest development means that Arsenal and Liverpool could have a free run at trying to prise Isak away from St James’ Park this summer.
Managing such a feat, though, will likely require a significant bid of more than £120million as Newcastle view the player as indispensable and not for sale this summer.
Speaking earlier in the week, Isak – under contract on Tyneside until 2028 – said no discussions had taken place about a new deal.
‘There is a lot of writing outside but within the club no one is talking about anything like that,’ told fotbollskanalen.
‘I don’t know much, to be honest. From within the club and from our side there are absolutely no discussions. It’s just full focus on playing for me.’
But Isak reiterated his happiness in the northeast, saying: ‘There’s not much to say, really. I’ve commented on my situation and my security in Newcastle several times.
‘It’s been written how much I love the city and the club, how well I feel there.
‘I’m not thinking about the future. I just want to perform for Newcastle. Now we won the cup, but we want to finish strong and reach the Champions League games.
‘That’s where my focus lies. There is no reason for me to think about anything else (other than Newcastle). I feel incredibly comfortable at Newcastle. The only focus I have is on playing.’
For more stories like this, check our sport page.
Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on
Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
MORE: Manchester United enter race to sign Newcastle United star for cut-price transfer fee
MORE: Why Gabriel Magalhaes has left Brazil squad after double Arsenal injury scare
MORE: Liverpool Legends vs Chelsea Legends: Full team line-ups and how to watch match
