Revealed: Arsenal will NOT be able to afford a record fee for Newcastle star Alexander Isak this summer – as Mikel Arteta is dealt blow in his pursuit of Magpies striker

Arsenal cannot afford the British-record transfer fee it would take to sign Alexander Isak from Newcastle this summer. Sources say owner Stan Kroenke is extremely unlikely to sanction a move for the 25-year-old, with the focus for now on outgoings.

We understand the Gunners will listen to offers for striker Gabriel Jesus come the end of the season and Oleksandr Zinchenko could go this month. Thomas Partey’s £150,000-a-week wage is also set to be removed when his contract expires in June.

While Arsenal do not have any worries when it comes to complying with Profit and Sustainability Rules, they still have to stay within them. And, for now, that means a move for Isak is being played down by sources close to the club.

Manager Mikel Arteta is said to be a huge fan of the 25-year-old and former sporting director Edu, who left the club in November, was also an admirer. Isak’s camp are thought to be aware of Arsenal’s interest.

His man-of-the-match performance and 15th goal of the season during Newcastle’s 2-0 Carabao Cup semi-final win at Arsenal this week brought home how perfect a fit he would be for the Gunners.