Newcastle United have set a massive £150 million price tag on star forward Alexander Isak to ward off interest in him, according to the Telegraph.
The Magpies resisted dialogue with Chelsea last summer and scared them away with a £150m valuation, and they look set to stick to their guns with several clubs keeping tabs on his situation.
After a slow start to the season, the 25-year-old has bagged 11 goals in his last 12 games. He is back to his best and looks capable of matching his 20-league-goal tally from last season.
His stellar form has put him on the radar of several clubs, including Arsenal, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain, but Newcastle will try to discourage them from making a move for the player.
Despite Gabriel Jesus’ recent uptick in form, his injury record and wastefulness in front of goal remain continuous issues. Mikel Arteta should be in the market for a world-class centre-forward.
Chelsea could use a proper number nine to challenge Nicolas Jackson for the starting spot, with Christopher Nkunku looking increasingly blunt leading the line.
PSG are preparing to let Randal Kolo Muani go after his torrid time in Paris and will consider Isak to replace the Frenchman.
Barcelona, Real Madrid and Liverpool have also been linked with Isak.
However, none of these clubs should be crazy enough to pay such an exorbitant amount for the former Real Sociedad centre-forward, especially considering he is injury-prone.
While he has stayed relatively fit over the past two seasons, his chequered injury history should concern potential suitors.
The market isn’t exactly overflowing with Premier League-tested striking talent of Isak’s ilk.
However, several exciting options are available, including Viktor Gyokeres, Victor Osimhen, Benjamin Sesko, Lois Openda, Samu Aghehowa, Mateo Retegui, and Jhon Duran.
Isak is a top-class centre-forward, but clubs must avoid him. With three and a half years left on his current deal, Newcastle have the upper hand in negotiations, even though talks over a new contract are stalling.
