Newcastle United set huge asking price for Arsenal transfer target Alexander Isak - Paper Round
ByTNT Sports
Published 19/02/2025 at 23:07 GMT
Newcastle United want a Premier League record sum for Arsenal target Alexander Isak, while Chelsea are plotting to sign Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi as his contract starts to run down. Elsewhere, Chelsea, Arsenal and West Ham are credited with an interest in Eintracht Frankfurt forward Hugo Ekitike, and Liverpool weigh up replacements should Mohamed Salah leave at the end of the season.
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Newcastle set asking price for Isak
The Sun believes that it would take around £160 million for Newcastle to part with their star striker, Alexander Isak.
The Swedish player is reportedly a target for Arsenal, and Newcastle will let him go for a league-record fee this summer.
The paper claims: "Arsenal have been dealt a blow in their hopes of making Alexander Isak their new No. 9.
"Newcastle have no desire to sell the star and instead want to build a team around him.
"And it would take nearly double the reported £82.9million fee for them to even respond to any potential bids.
"That means the Swede would be the second costliest player ever - below Paris Saint-Germain's £198m capture of Neymar from Barcelona in 2017 and above the £163m PSG paid Monaco for Kylian Mbappe in 2018.
"Isak, 25, has emerged as one of the most coveted players on the planet since his club-record £63m arrival from Real Sociedad in 2022."
Chelsea to return for Guehi
Chelsea want to sign their former central defender Marc Guehi in the summer transfer window.
The England international has also been a target for Newcastle United, but it is Chelsea who hope to land the player.
The Mirror states: "Chelsea are determined to lead the chase for in-demand England defender Marc Guehi this summer.
"Crystal Palace made it clear they were determined not to sell in January despite interest from Chelsea and a late bid from Tottenham. Newcastle were the big suitors last summer and had several bids turned down with Palace demanding £70 million and it remains to be seen whether they will come back again.
"But despite the strong interest, Chelsea are huge admirers and are keen to bring back their former academy graduate who is now an established England international.
"Chelsea know there will be strong interest again this summer as Guehi will only have 12 months left on his current deal. But Blues boss Enzo Maresca rates him highly and sees him as the sort of defensive leader to bolster his squad and dressing room."
PL sides chase Ekitike
The Daily Mail reports that former Paris Saint-Germain striker Hugo Ekitike is attracting interest from Arsenal and Chelsea.
The 22-year-old is currently at Eintracht Frankfurt, and is also being monitored by West Ham.
The paper writes: "Eintracht Frankfurt forward Hugo Ekitike has caught the eye of the Premier League's top two clubs, according to reports.
"Ekitike joined Frankfurt on loan from PSG in January 2024 before the German side made a £13.2m deal permanent in the summer.
"And he has been in fine form for the club this season, contributing 17 goals and six assists in 32 appearances in all competitions.
"The 22-year-old still has four years remaining on a deal that sees him earn somewhere in the region of £50,000 a week.
"West Ham have also been keeping tabs on the player and Frankfurt reportedly intend to keep hold of him for another season before cashing in."
Liverpool consider Salah alternatives
Jamie Gittens is one name in the frame to replace Mohamed Salah, should he leave Liverpool.
The Express relays reports that Salah’s departure means that Bryan Mbeumo, Takefusa Kubo and Antoine Semenyo are being monitored.
The paper explains: "Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk could all leave Liverpool as things stand. None of the trio seem closer to extending their stay at the Premier League club.
"Wide-ranging reports suggest Liverpool have contingency plans in place should any of them depart. It is claimed that a list of widemen has been drawn up should Salah end an eight-year, trophy-laden career on Merseyside.
"Borussia Dortmund star Gittens is on that list. The 20-year-old has scored 11 goals and provided five assists this season. However, he operates best on the right-hand side, potentially giving Arne Slot’s some reshuffling to do.
"Meanwhile, Liverpool’s other targets for the wide positions reportedly include Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo, Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo and Real Sociedad’s Takefusa Kubo."
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