There were preliminary discussions towards the end of last season, but the player and his camp were reluctant to commit, and talks have since ceased.

Isak’s camp weren’t keen to extend his contract at Newcastle without Champions League football. If they fail to qualify this season, sources believe they’ll seek a move.

Hope adds that Arsenal have declared an interest in Isak, with the Gunners in need of an out-and-out-striker. The report adds that Arsenal would likely be in a position to commit a British record sum on the right player.

That might be what it would take, with Isak reportedly valued at double or more than his initial £63m purchase price.

The striker only returned from injury at the weekend, playing 90 minutes against Brighton. He’d been out with a broken toe for three club games before that, as well as missing the international break with Sweden.

When he has been available, Isak has one goal and one assist from seven club games in 2024/25, though he does also have three goals in two games for Sweden.

The 25-year-old clearly isn’t hitting the same levels he managed last season, when he scored 25 goals in all competitions for Newcastle. But there’s plenty of time to turn his campaign around now he’s back from injury.

One of the biggest headaches Eddie Howe has faced this season is how to structure his front three. Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes prefer to play off the left, while Joelinton has also played his best football out wide.

Gordon has also had to play up front this season to cover for injuries, and that may be the case again after Alexander Isak suffered an injury against Palace.