Arsenal hit major stumbling block in transfer purist of 25-year-old Premier League star: Reports

Arsenal have reportedly hit a stumbling block in their chase to sign Alexander Isak. The Gunners are not in a position to afford the price tag slapped by Newcastle United on the striker.

As per a report in Daily Mail, Newcastle United want a league-record fee to sell Isak. The Magpies have slapped a £150 million price tag on the Swede but are willing to accept anything over the £115 million Chelsea paid to sign Moises Caicedo from Brighton & Hove Albion.

Mikel Arteta has set sights on signing the forward in January, but a move looks unlike this month. They are not under FFP or PSR threat but cannot afford to pay the wages unless a big sale happens to reduce the bill.

Apart from Arsenal, Chelsea have also been linked with the Swede while Liverpool are also said to be keeping tabs. They are looking to bring in forward this month and believe that the Newcastle United man can add firepower to their attack.

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Arsenal urged to spend big to sign Alexander Isak by Paul Merson

Paul Merson was on Sky Sports earlier this month and backed Arsenal to sign Alexander Isak. He claimed that the striker was perfect for the club, and they needed to break the bank to sign him. He said:

"If I was Arsenal and I had the money, I would go out and buy Isak; I'd break the bank for him. I think he's the best of the best and he takes Arsenal to another level. What I like about Jesus is he's got back in the team this time around and he's gone, 'You know what, I'm going to get in the box, I need to score goals if I'm going to stay at this football team', and that's what he's done. That goal yesterday was a proper poacher's goal. It's very rare we say him in that six-yard box, heading them in from there."

"With [Kai] Havertz coming back as well, he wasn't well, it pushes Havertz back to midfield, but Havertz, naturally as a forward, will get in the box and there's an extra body in there. Hopefully, if Jesus can keep doing what he's doing, they won't have to [sign anyone], but I'm looking at the all-round picture and I'm looking at next season as well. I think if they can get hold of Isak, who I think is the best in the business at the moment, I think that would be a massive coup for them. Sorry, Newcastle fans!" he added.

The Gunners are keen on signing a forward and have also been linked with Manchester United star Marcus Rashford.