Arsenal suffer transfer blow as Barcelona enter race to sign top target: Reports

Arsenal have suffered a major blow in their pursuit of Newcastle United's Alexander Isak as Barcelona have entered the race as well, according to TBR Football (via The Hard Tackle). Arsenal have been closely monitoring the Swedish international and were keen on signing him in the summer transfer window of 2025.

However, with Barcelona's arrival at the scene, things might get complicated for the Gunners. It was also reported that the Blaugrana sent scouts to watch Isak play in Newcastle's most recent Premier League game against Nottingham Forest on Sunday, November 10. He even scored a goal in the Magpies' 3-1 win.

Isak has been in fine form for Newcastle this season, having netted four times and provided two assists in nine Premier League games. Although he has endured some injuries during his stay at Tyneside, the 25-year-old has justified himself in Eddie Howe's team with his commanding presence in the final third.

Isak first arrived at Newcastle from Real Sociedad in a big-money transfer in 2022, and has become the cynosure of most eyes in the Premier League since then. Arsenal have long been known to be one of his biggest admirers, and will now need to beat Barcelona to bring him to north London.

Arsenal desperately need a striker, as do Barcelona

Arsenal, who are ranked fourth in the Premier League table with 19 points to their name, are in desperate need of a striker given that Gabriel Jesus has not been among the goals. Although they have won five matches out of the 11 they have played in the league this season, Mikel Arteta's men will be keen on challenging for the title.

Barcelona, too, are on the lookout for a striker as a potential replacement for the ageing Robert Lewandowski next season, and Isak can be a good fit. Barca are the leaders of the La Liga table at the time of writing, with 33 points inside their kitty, which they have amassed by winning 11 matches out of 13.