Arsenal given chance to hijack Alexander Isak to Liverpool transfer after Kai Havertz injury

Arsenal are "actively exploring" the transfer market following the news that Kai Havertz is set for a spell on the sidelines due to a knee injury.

The German international replaced Viktor Gyokeres on the hour mark during the Gunners' 1-0 victory over Manchester United on Sunday. But it has since emerged that the 26-year-old has picked up a knee injury, with the former Chelsea man missing open training at Emirates Stadium on Wednesday.

According to The Athletic, assessments are at an early stage and it's not yet known how long the striker will be out. Arsenal are now actively exploring the transfer market to potentially reinforce their attack, with the summer window set to close on September 1.

Gyokeres is now the only fit recognised centre-forward at the club, although Leandro Trossard, Mikel Merino and Ethan Nwaneri can play in the No.9 role if required. Gabriel Jesus is still around, although the Brazilian is currently recovering from an ACL injury and is not expected to be back until November or December.

One of the strikers Arsenal may turn to is Alexander Isak. The north Londoners have tracked the Swedish star for some time, football.london understands, with Mikel Arteta a big fan of the 25-year-old.

Isak is currently not training with his Newcastle teammates as he looks to force an exit away from the club, with Liverpool already having a £110million bid turned down. It's reported that the Magpies want at least £130million for the former Real Sociedad star.

Isak broke his silence on the situation on Tuesday night, after being named in the PFA Team of the Year. The striker was not present at the awards ceremony in Manchester but took to social media to explain his absence.

Writing on Instagram, Isak said: "I’m proud to be recognised by my fellow professionals with a place in the PFA Premier League Team of the Season for 2024/25. First and foremost I want to thank my teammates and everyone at Newcastle United who have supported me along the way.

"I’m not at the ceremony tonight. With everything going on, it didn’t feel right to be there. I’ve kept quiet for a long time while others have spoken. That silence has allowed people to push their own version of events, even though they know it doesn’t reflect what was really said and agreed behind closed doors.

"The reality is that promises were made and the club has known my position for a long time. To now act as if these issues are only emerging is misleading. When promises are broken and trust is lost, the relationship can’t continue. That’s where things are for me right now – and why change is in the best interest of everyone, not just myself."

In response, Newcastle put out a strongly worded statement on their own. The club said: "We are disappointed to have been alerted to a social media post by Alexander Isak this evening.

"We are clear in response that Alex remains under contract and that no commitment has ever been made by a club official that Alex can leave Newcastle United this summer. We want to keep our best players, but we also understand players have their own wishes and we listen to their views. As explained to Alex and his representatives, we must always take into consideration the best interests of Newcastle United, the team and our supporters in all decisions and we have been clear that the conditions of a sale this summer have not transpired.

"We do not foresee those conditions being met. This is a proud football club with proud traditions and we strive to retain our family feel. Alex remains part of our family and will be welcomed back when he is ready to rejoin his teammates."

Arsenal moving for Isak may depend on the severity of Havertz's injury, and if the club can move on some of their fringe stars. But Isak is available and the Gunners are extremely fond of the striker. Never say never.

Story Saved

You can find this story in  My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.