Arsenal’s hopes of landing in-demand striker Alexander Isak have taken a major hit.

Reports indicate that Barcelona have joined the race for the Newcastle United star, creating a significant obstacle for the Gunners’ transfer ambitions.

Arsenal‘s hopes of securing coveted Swedish striker Alexander Isak have received a major blow. Reports indicate that Barcelona has entered the bidding war for the Newcastle United star.

If you believe reports, Arsenal has long prioritised signing Isak, trying multiple times before he eventually ended up at Newcastle. Their need for a young, dynamic striker to strengthen their attack has been well-documented, and Isak’s prolific form this season made him a prime target.

However, the allure of Barcelona casts a long shadow. The Catalan giants offer a unique combination of global prestige and recognition– a potentially irresistible proposition for a player of Isak’s calibre.

Barcelona’s interest in Isak is reportedly driven by their desire to find a long-term successor to the legendary Robert Lewandowski. While the Polish striker continues to excel, his age means Barcelona must begin planning for the future. Isak’s blend of youth and goalscoring instinct makes him an ideal candidate to lead their attack for years to come.

Newcastle’s financial situation adds further complexity to the situation. While The S*n reports a potential willingness to sell Isak for around £90 million, their initial reluctance to part ways with the player suggests they were likely holding out for a higher price.

Arsenal may be forced to re-evaluate their transfer strategy. With the added competition from Barcelona, they could choose to pursue other striker options, and they seem to have plenty of those. However, they could also decide to go head-to-head with the Spanish giants for Isak’s signature, potentially igniting a bidding war this summer, which Arsenal would likely win given Barcelona’s own long-term financial woes.

Can they convince Isak, however, that is the key question…