Barcelona have turned their attentions to Arsenal’s top goal Alexander Isak as they expect Manchester United to win the race for Viktor Gyokeres, in keeping with reports in Spain.
The La Liga giants are expected to sign a brand new No. 9 this summer to exchange Robert Lewandowski, who will likely be 37 by the point the 2026-27 season begins.
Poland legend Lewandoswki continues to impress on the Nou Camp, scoring 31 goals in 33 games this season and 90 in 128 since joining the club, but Barcelona have one eye on the longer term and wish to usher in a brand new striker.
Barca are having fun with an exciting season under Hansi Flick and can leapfrog Madrid rivals Real and Atletico and go top of La Liga in the event that they beat Rayo Vallecano on Monday night.
Barcelona have also impressed in Europe, ending second within the revamped Champions League group phase to routinely qualify for the knockout stages.
Replacing modern-day great Lewandowski won’t be easy and Mundo Deportivo say Newcastle United striker Isak has emerged because the club’s first-choice goal.
Isak has impressed at St James’ Park since his 2022 move from La Liga side Real Sociedad but has taken his game to a different level this season, netting 17 goals in 22 league games.
The Sweden international is believed to be a dream transfer goal for Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, who’s eager to sign a brand new striker.
Arsenal expressed interest in bringing Isak to the Emirates Stadium in January but were priced out of a move by Newcastle, who value the player at over £100m.
Arteta subsequently sanctioned a move for Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins but will happily revive his interest in Isak if Newcastle indicate a summer sale is feasible.
Barcelona have also been linked with fellow Swedish ace Gyokeres but are prioritising Isak as they consider the previous is ‘destined’ for Manchester United.
United, also in desperate need for attacking reinforcements, were known admirers of Gyokeres even before his former Sporting Lisbon manager took over at Old Trafford in November.
However it has becoming increasingly apparently that Manchester United might want to dip into the marketplace for a brand new striker as Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee proceed to struggle in front of goal.
Gyokeres has been in sensational form in Portugal, scoring 77 goals in 86 games for Sporting since being signed from Championship side Coventry City.
It’s claimed Jonathan David, Lille’s Canadian forward, is an alternative choice for Barcelona if they can not sign Isak and lose the race for Gyokeres.
Last week, ex-England midfielder Paul Scholes expressed his doubt over Arsenal signing Isak, suggesting he’s ‘greater and higher’ than the Gunners.
‘Everyone loves him but I don’t see a possibility of him going to Arsenal,’ Scholes said on The Overlap with Sky Bet. ‘He must go greater and higher.
‘We’re talking about Real Madrid here, Liverpool need a centre forward. I believe Arsenal can be an option but I believe they might be down the list of options.
‘I don’t mean that in a foul way but he’s at Newcastle, a very good team, an excellent team, but they’re not going to win league titles, that’s the subsequent stage of his profession.
‘I believe it will be a risk to go to Arsenal and do the identical thing. Liverpool have gotten a a lot better probability, Man City and Real Madrid the identical.
‘I believe his sights must be higher than Arsenal. He’s a player Man United can be taking a look at but within the position we’re in now… it’s not going to occur.’
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