Arsenal’s position on Alexander Isak transfer after Real Sociedad star travels to England

Arteta gives update on Arsenal's transfer plans ahead of Deadline Day

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Arsenal are unlikely to sign Real Sociedad striker Alexander Isak today despite the forward being spotted in England, according to reports. The Sweden international has been linked with a move to the Gunners this month. However, while a transfer deal won’t be happening, Mikel Arteta still wants to bring a new hitman in today.

Arsenal have struggled for goals this season, with Alexandre Lacazette starting to wane as he enters the twilight years of his career.

Eddie Nketiah remains too inconsistent, while Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is currently out in the cold.

On Sunday, Isak was snapped in England – fuelling talk he may be set for a late move to the Emirates Stadium.

But The Athletic say there are ‘currently no developments’ when it comes to the Gunners potentially signing the Real Sociedad hitman.

Arsenal do want a new striker, however, yet they’re in a race against time to bring one in.

Regarding Aubameyang, there’s a chance the Gabon international will leave north London for a move to Barcelona.

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Xavi is keen to land the former Borussia Dortmund striker, especially with his current options nowhere near good enough.

Progress has been made on a deal and it apparently ‘advanced well’ over the weekend.

The main issue now left to resolve is Aubameyang’s massive £350,000-a-week wages, with Arsenal wanting Barcelona to cover as much of his wages as possible.

That would save them millions but Barcelona’s financial state, the publication adds, may complicate any arrangement.

Aubameyang’s situation is being handled by technical director Edu but Arteta, the executive leadership and board will also have a say on what happens.

Arsenal are ready to proceed with the process regardless of whether they’re able to sign a new striker or not.

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And what ultimately happens remains to be seen.

There have been murmurings Barcelona may need to get Ousmane Dembele off the wage bill before signing Aubameyang.

The France international has angered Xavi and the board by refusing to sign a new contract, with his current deal due to expire in the summer.

But those claims are said to be ‘wide of the mark’.

Dembele has been linked with Manchester United, who have already let Amad and Anthony Martial depart on loan.

And Paris Saint-Germain are also in the picture to land the 2018 World Cup winner.

Speaking at the start of the month, meanwhile, Rio Ferdinand expressed a belief Isak would be a good fit for Arsenal.

Speaking on his Rio Ferdinand Presents FIVE YouTube channel, he said: “He will be a good signing.

“Another young talented player. He has done really well in the Euros for Sweden, I thought.

“He is a talented player, man.”

Isak did hint in November that he’d be open to playing in England in the future.

“I am in a good place at the moment, I am very happy, but one day it would be nice to play in England as well,” he said.

“They have six or seven of the biggest clubs in the world, it is a very high level, and of course one day it would be an alternative.

“Every player wants to be the best version of themselves and reach the highest possible level.

“People will always count the goals, I want to score, but I want to be a modern striker.

“I love playing football and that means being involved as much as possible. I think that is why Spain has suited me very well.”

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