Mikel Arteta's Arsenal transfer masterplan put on hold

Arsenal are monitoring Alexander Isak's situation at Newcastle - but will see any move dependent on their next sporting director.

The Gunners have long been linked to the Sweden international, who is under contract at St James' Park until 2028, and retain an interest in the striker. Isak has scored five goals in 11 appearances at Newcastle this term but has seen the current state of play with his contract described as a 'complex situation' by Eddie Howe.

The clubs PSR situation that saw them sell players in the summer could have a knock-on impact to negotiations with Isak. The Magpies do not want to see their hands tied in the transfer market once again.

Sky in Germany report that Isak is on the north London side's list of targets but that much will depend on Arsenal's new sporting director follow Edu's shock exit earlier this month. The Brazilian resigned from his position after being tempted by Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis' offer to lead three sporting directors at three different clubs - Forest, Olympiakos and Rio Ave.

Edu has been placed on gardening leave by Arsenal with assistant sporting director Jason Ayto stepping into the role until they can identify his replacement. Arteta has not been perturbed by his colleague's departure.

"The plan and vision, that starts with the ownership, that is very clear and very ambitious is going to continue," he said. "We have a very strong leadership team with an unbelievable know-how, a real passion and great feelings for the club, we're not going to stop where we are at the moment.

Meanwhile, at Newcastle, Howe remains relaxed over Isak's situation and appears to planning to utilise him moving forwards. The ex-Bournemouth boss believes his charge can become the best striker in the world.

“I feel that his potential is great," he said. "I think he can really, if he can continue on the path he has been the last few seasons, continue to go and prove himself as one of the world ’s best.

"That would be, without putting pressure on him, my target if I was him.

“I think we are entering the business end in the sense that December is always full of big games and opportunities, that’s how I see it, for us to consolidate our position and continue to hopefully move into positive territory.

“But there are no guarantees, we know how tight the Premier League is this year and every game is difficult. We are under no illusions that there are easy games at home or away, we don’t underestimate anybody. But we back ourselves and this is going to be a key point in our season.”

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