Arsenal ‘hold talks’ to lead Madrid in race for £59m striker
Arsenal are ahead of Real Madrid in the race for Alexander Isak having reportedly held talks with the Sweden striker.
The 21-year-old has impressed in Euro 2020 group games against Spain, Slovakia and Poland, despite failing to find the net, and also enjoyed a fine season for Real Sociedad.
He scored 17 La Liga goals and was named the division’s Young Player of the Season.
READ MORE: All the Euro 2020 group stage team stats: England are boring
Mikel Arteta is thought to be very keen on the striker and AS report that the Gunners have made ground ahead of Real Madrid – who have also been linked.
The report claims Arsenal bosses have already held talks with Isak’s representatives, though there is a concern that the club’s lack of European football next season could be a problem.
It will be the first time Arsenal will not be competing in Europe since the 1994-95 season.
Should they agree personal terms with Isak a deal could well be struck, with the Daily Star claiming Arsenal are ‘willing to meet’ Isak’s £59million release clause.
But that buyout fee could change if Sociedad offer the striker a new deal at the club – a possibility that’s been mooted following his fine club season and performances at Euro 2020.
Earlier in the tournament, Isak caught the attention of Gary Lineker for his displays, but the youngster wasn’t quite sure who the former England striker was.
He said: “I am not that aware of him… It’s an old player working in the studio?”
Adding: “I wasn’t born then but I have a little bit of knowledge about him.”
Arteta and director Edu are thought to be working hard to bolster the Arsenal squad in a number of areas, including central midfield, both full-back positions and at centre-back.
Arteta said of his summer transfer plans back in May: “The squad needs changing.
“There were already a lot of changes in December, something that has not been done in years, but it tells us where we were.
“Things are going to have to change and the owners are going to back it up.”
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