“No, is the answer” - Alan Shearer explains why Newcastle United should snub Arsenal’s £150m interest in Alexander Isak

Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer has claimed that the Magpies cannot sell Arsenal target Alexander Isak even for £150 million. The Sweden international has been on fire for the Tynesiders this season and helped Eddie Howe's side beat Arsenal 2-0 on Tuesday, January 7.

Isak scored the opener for Newcastle United in the first leg of the EFL Cup semi final. He also played a key role in the Magpies' second goal as his shot saved by David Raya fell to Anthony Gordon who tucked it home.

Isak has been heavily linked with a move away from St. James' Park in the last few months, with Arsenal named as his biggest suitors. Liverpool and Chelsea are also reportedly tracking the former Real Sociedad and Borussia Dortmund attacker's progress.

Alan Shearer, who scored 206 goals in 405 appearances for Newcastle United, has urged his former club to not sell Isak for whatever the price. He told The Rest is Football, via talkSPORT:

“No, is the answer. Who are they gonna go out and get that would come into Newcastle and do a similar job? We know that centre forward is the most important position. He’s one of the reasons they’re sitting in fifth and in the semi-final of the Carabao Cup.”

Shearer insisted that if Newcastle United have to sell anyone to comply with PSR, they should look to offload other stars. He added:

“You could go out and spend £50-60m on another striker but who? What? Where? They are really difficult to find so when you’ve got a bloody good one, why do you want to let him go for any price? If they’ve got to sell for PSR (Profit and Sustainability rules) reasons, there would be other players I’d sell before I’d sell Isak for £150m."

Isak has been a key player for Newcastle United since his club record £63 million move from Real Sociedad in 2022. He has scored 50 goals in 89 games for the Tynesiders while providing nine assists.

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Lee Dixon slams Arsenal star following defeat to Newcastle United

Pundit Lee Dixon has slammed Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber following the Gunners' 2-0 defeat against Newcastle United on Tuesday. He singled out the former Ajax star for not tracking Anthony Gordon who latched onto Alexander Isak's rebound shot to double Newcastle's lead.

Alexander Isak's shot was parried by David Raya but fell to Gordon who made no mistake and tucked it in. Dixon, who played 617 games for Arsenal over 14 seasons, has claimed that Timber should have done better. The pundit said on ITV’s commentary of the game, as quoted by Metro:

"There’s the space, there’s the ball but at the far post, Timber… Bits and pieces, too slow, you’ve got to react from the goalkeeper’s save better than that. Follow it in. Gordon does follow it in, he gets the rewards, 2-0. Big mountain to climb for Arsenal."

Dixon, who won 11 trophies with the north London giants, added:

"There was not much snap in that defensive play from Arsenal’s point of view. Isak comes into a No.10 position, just picks the ball up, lays it off and then wanders into space. Nobody picks him up, the two centre-backs don’t get tight enough."

"The shot gets fired away, it’s a decent save from Raya, he’s got to push it somewhere. But that is bread and butter for a full-back to follow in there. Timber was just caught on his heels and Gordon makes him pay," the former full-back concluded.

Arsenal now have an uphill task if they have to overcome a 2-0 deficit in the second leg at St. James' Park.