Arsenal on red alert as Alexander Isak hits stalemate with Newcastle in contract talks - Paper Round
Published 18/10/2024 at 08:08 GMT+1
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Arsenal are reportedly ready to pounce if Alexander Isak fails to sign a new contract with Newcastle, with the Sweden international said to be "stalling" in negotiations. Elsewhere, Liverpool are said to be resigned to losing Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Manchester City have identified two possible replacements for Pep Guardiola.
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Newcastle sweat over Isak future
Alexander Isak and Newcastle are at a “stalemate” in contract negotiations, putting Arsenal on “red alert”.
That is according to a report in the Mirror, via talkSPORT, which claims Isak is stalling on signing a new deal, with the Sweden international hoping to be Newcastle’s highest earner at the club.
“Arsenal are on red alert after Alexander Isak's talks with Newcastle over a new contract reached a stalemate,” states the outlet.
“The Swede has had his share of injury issues though and is currently sidelined with a broken toe. But his performances for Newcastle have drawn the interest of several top teams around Europe.
“One of those is Arsenal, who are keen to upgrade their options at centre-forward. Isak remains a top target for The Gunners, though he still has more than three years to run on his contract.
“While there is that lengthy period to go on his current deal, Newcastle have been attempting to tie him down to a new deal. But according to talkSPORT, Isak is stalling on putting pen to paper on that offer.
“The striker has been in talks with Newcastle chiefs for several months, but there is no sign that those negotiations are progressing. One of the main roadblocks to an agreement is Isak's demands to be made Newcastle's top earner.
“He also wants a release clause added to the deal in exchange for his signature. The two sides are at a stalemate, with Arsenal now sizing up a move for the 25-year-old.”
Reds resigned to losing Alexander-Arnold
Liverpool are resigned to losing Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid, according to reports.
The England international’s contract at Anfield runs out this summer and so far he has yet to agree a new deal with the club.
Speculation linking him to Los Blancos has intensified this week and now the Mirror claims, via Marca, that The Reds have conceded defeat in holding onto the full-back.
“Real Madrid are reportedly plotting a move for Trent Alexander-Arnold in January because they are confident the England star won’t sign a new contract at Liverpool,” reads the report.
“Real want to sign a right-back in the January transfer window, with Lucas Vasquez their only senior option in the position at present. Alexander-Arnold tops their shortlist ahead of Tottenham star Pedro Porro, Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong and Sevilla's 21-year-old Spain youth international Juanlu.
“The presence of Alexander-Arnold’s close friend Jude Bellingham in Madrid could be helpful for Los Blancos as they try to lure him. And now Marca report that Liverpool ‘already know’ Alexander-Arnold will not sign a new contract.
“If that is the case then Liverpool will have a big decision to make in the January transfer window. They could decide to sell him mid-season, or lose him for nothing in the summer when his contract expires.”
Man City consider Guardiola replacements
The Daily Express carries a report that Manchester City have discussed “two names as possible replacements for Pep Guardiola”.
Guardiola’s contract with The Citizens expires this summer and he has been linked with a move away from the club.
According to the report, City are eyeing up Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso and Sporting boss Ruben Amorim.
“According to The Athletic, Xabi Alonso and Ruben Amorim are two names under consideration,” reads the article.
“City have just appointed Hugo Viana to take over from Txiki Begiristain as sporting director from the start of next season, and the Portuguese shared a dressing room with Amorim both at international level and with Braga.
“Viana has been the director of football at Sporting, where Amorim is currently in charge, since 2018. And City are reportedly 'open' to the idea of reuniting them if Guardiola departs.
“Alonso is another up-and-comer attracting the interest of City bosses. The 42-year-old won the league and cup double in his debut season with Bayer Leverkusen, going the entire Bundesliga campaign undefeated.”
Klopp targets young Barca stars
Jurgen Klopp could make Barcelona youngsters Aleix Garrido and Noah Darvich his first signings in his role as Red Bull's Global Head of Soccer.
Klopp, who will start his new job on January 1, 2025, will advise Red Bull clubs on matters including coaching, player development and transfers.
He is said to have already identified Garrido and Darvich as his first targets.
“Former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is reportedly targeting two Barcelona youngsters as his first signings since accepting a role at Red Bull," reads the article.
“According to journalist Sebastien Vidal, Klopp has already set his sights on bringing two players into Red Bull's network of clubs.
“Barcelona youngsters Aleix Garrido and Noah Darvich have reportedly been targeted, with the duo considered among the rising stars to have graduated from La Masia.
“The duo have largely featured for Barcelona Athletic - typically known as the club's B team - but have been tipped to break into the first-team set-up.
“Garrido has already made his Barcelona first-team debut, with the 20-year-old making a substitute appearance under former boss Xavi last year.
“The midfielder's progress has been disrupted in recent months by injury.
“Darvich had featured during the Catalan giants' pre-season campaign, with the 18-year-old also considered a highly rated product.
“The 18-year-old was signed by Barcelona from Freiberg last year, before going on to help Germany win the Under-17 World Cup in Indonesia.”
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