New reports continue to suggest that an Arsenal move for Alexander Isak is unlikely this summer, with Newcastle United looking to keep him.

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 25: Newcastle player Alexander Isak reacts after injury forces him to leave the field during the UEFA Champions League match between Newcastle United FC and Borussia Dortmund at St. James Park on October 25, 2023 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 25: Newcastle player Alexander Isak reacts after injury forces him to leave the field during the UEFA Champions League match between Newcastle United FC and Borussia Dortmund at St. James Park on October 25, 2023 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Fabrizio Romano is the latest journalist to suggest that an Arsenal move for Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak is unlikely this summer.

Writing in his Daily Briefing, Romano confirmed that Arsenal really appreciate Isak, but a transfer looks difficult, as Newcastle want to keep the forward around.

John Cross of the Mirror had reported last week that Isak won’t be joining Arsenal, despite monitoring the player in the past.

Cross wrote that the Gunners are no longer interested, especially at Newcastle’s asking price of £120m.

Instead, Arsenal are looking for someone younger, with Kai Havertz’s success allowing them to be patient with a new signing.

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Kai Havertz holding Arsenal’s April Player of the Month award (Photo via Arsenal on Twitter)

Back in April, initial reports of Arsenal interest in Isak were met with the news that Newcastle wanted to offer him a new contract.

The striker is already under contract with his current club until 2028, but his deal contains a clause reducing his wages by up to 20% if Newcastle miss out on Champions League football.

Given Newcastle didn’t manage to sneak into the top four, Isak’s wages will now drop, but the club hope to appease him by offering a pay rise.

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - AUGUST 12: Alexander Isak of Newcastle United celebrates after scoring the team's second goal during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Aston Villa at St. James Park on August 12, 2023 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND: Alexander Isak of Newcastle United celebrates after scoring the team’s second goal during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Aston Villa at St. James Park on August 12, 2023. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)

Isak looked to be a great option for Arsenal, with 25 goals in 40 games this season at the age of 24, and an existing relationship with Arsenal star playmaker Martin Odegaard from their time together at Real Sociedad.

But his price tag has seen the rumours fade away, and all recent reports now seem to be putting the final nail in the coffin.