Arsenal have been dealt a blow in their long-term pursuit of Alexander Isak. According to The Times, Newcastle United are ready to make the Swedish striker the highest-paid player in the club's history - a bold statement aimed at deterring interest from rival clubs.

It's noted that Newcastle’s hierarchy are now set to open talks on a new contract that would see the 25-year-old earn over £150,000 a week - surpassing current top earners Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes and Anthony Gordon.

The forward has three years remaining on his contract at St James' Park and hasn't shown any real signs of wanting out.

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However, reports suggest that Newcastle are 'concerned' about the possibility of receiving an offer for their valued asset.

Liverpool are strong contenders, having signed Florian Wirtz for a British-record £116million - bringing their total spending this summer to £200m so far.

Any contract Newcastle offer would fall short of the top salaries at Anfield, as the club remains restricted by the Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules.

While Liverpool are not actively seeking a No.9, Arsenal are in urgent need of a striker, and if Isak was to sign, he would likely become their first-choice.

Arsenal’s long-standing interest in the Swedish striker dates back well before his £63m move from Real Sociedad to Newcastle in 2022.

During the 2019/20 season at Sociedad, when Martin Odegaard was on loan from Real Madrid, the pair formed a close bond both on and off the pitch, with Isak later calling Odegaard his 'best friend' at the club.

Isak was the Premier League's second-highest scorer in 2024/25. 23 strikes took his overall tally in the division to 54 in 86 appearances since signing for Eddie Howe's team in the summer of 2022.