Arsenal receive £63.5m transfer justification again after latest bombshell Alexander Isak update

Alexander Isak looked to be Mikel Arteta's dream Arsenal striker signing but in alternative world, trying to sign him this summer could have quickly turned into a nightmare.

The Newcastle talisman was coming off arguably his best individual season having played a crucial role in Eddie Howe's side winning the Carabao Cup and securing Champions League football. Though it was known that several top Premier League clubs wanted to sign a new striker, Isak's situation appeared calm.

As for as those at St James' Park were concerned, Isak was not for sale and as such, Arsenal signed Viktor Gyokeres while Chelsea brought in Liam Delap and Joao Pedro. Premier League champions Liverpool tested their resolve and having been given a firm answer, their focus switched onto the Magpies' top target Hugo Ekitike.

The Frenchman has since completed a £79million switch to Anfield and yet Isak is still being pursued. Newcastle meanwhile, have endured a torrid few weeks searching for potential Isak and Callum Wilson replacements.

Benjamin Sesko opted for a move to Manchester United while Brentford stood firm on their asking price for Yoane Wissa. The latter joining now does look more likely with Newcastle also linked to Nicolas Jackson, Rodrigo Muniz, Randal Kolo Muani and Samu Aghehowa.

With so many options being looked at, it certainly seems as though an Isak exit from Tyneside is the expectation. However, the Telegraph are now reporting that Isak has been told he will not be sold this summer and that any move to Liverpool will be blocked.

Though Ekitike has been signed, Arne Slot quite clearly wants Isak as well with the aim of taking Liverpool to that next level. Had Arsenal played things differently over the last few weeks, this could have quite feasibly happened yo them but without a more than capable option already in.

As things stand, the Gunners can be very thankful that Viktor Gyokeres joined in late July with their striker transfer saga paling in comparison to the one involving the Swede, Newcastle and Liverpool.

Prior to pursuing a deal for Isak's international teammate, RB Leipzig's Sesko seemed to be the preferred choice but no real progress was ever made as his asking price was rather steep. For Gyokeres meanwhile, Arsenal will pay Sporting CP a guaranteed £55million (€63.5m) with a further £8.5million (€10m) available in add-ons.

Not only are Arsenal justified in not pushing for Isak, given Newcastle's stance, but also because of how much United will pay Leipzig for Sesko.

After learning of his decision to join Ruben Amorim's side, an agreement was quickly struck at £66.3million (€76.5m) with easily attainable add-ons worth £7.4million (€8.5m) also included in the switch that was announced on Saturday morning.

Sesko being more expensive than Gyokeres alongside Isak now possibly staying at Newcastle has seen the Gunners more than justified in their final striker decision.

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