Newcastle have called off their pursuit of Alexander Isak as the forward’s asking price of €90 million is deemed too high.
According to The Telegraph, Newcastle United have decided to abandon their pursuit of Alexander Isak. The Real Sociedad forward’s asking price is seemingly out of bounds for the Magpies, who could divert to an alternative target.
Alexander Isak was yet again linked with a move to the Premier League, with Newcastle United interested. The striker was a target for Arsenal for the longest time. But, owing to Real Sociedad’s huge asking price, the Gunners decided against pursuing him.
The chances of Isak moving to the Premier League now look slim as Newcastle United are ready to abandon the idea of signing him. Eddie Howe wants to bring two quality attackers this summer after signing a goalkeeper, a left-back and a central defender. Isak and Moussa Diaby were heavily linked, but the club will not pursue those targets anymore.
The report suggests the players’ asking price and wage demands are unfounded, as Newcastle were left surprised by the figures quoted. Isak reportedly would have cost €90 million, which happens to be his release clause at Real Sociedad.
The Magpies were ready to make Isak their record signing and had thought about making a £50 million offer. Alternatively, they were willing to create a payment structure to meet the current release clause over an extended period but have called off the chase altogether. Real Sociedad were unwilling to lower the player’s value, and Isak’s demands of £200,000 per week wages were considered excessive.
Isak has qualities to help the team immensely, although his goalscoring numbers for a centre-forward are not that impressive. The 22-yaer-old only scored six times in 32 La Liga games last season, which may not warrant his massive asking price.
Meanwhile, for a similar reason, the club have also reportedly called off the pursuit of Diaby, as the Magpies are unwilling to match his reported £60 million price tag.
Howe will continue to search for options that fit his criteria. Newcastle want a player versatile enough to play wide and complement Callum Wilson centrally. Unfortunately, there are few quality alternatives in the current scenario, but the Tyneside outfit will likely sign someone before the season begins.
