Arsenal legend Alan Smith doesn’t believe Newcastle forward Alexander Isak will make the switch to the Emirates this summer.

The 24-year-old is said to be a target for the Gunners but, speaking to Crypto Casino, Smith said that Mikel Arteta’s side would struggle to match the player’s asking price:

“He cost Newcastle around £60m, so he’d cost Arsenal a lot more – so I question whether Arsenal have got the funds and whether Newcastle want to sell him.”

“Whether Newcastle have to for Financial Fair Play reasons is a different question, so we’ll see what happens, but I’d be surprised if Newcastle allow him to go to what is essentially a title rival if they want to keep pushing forward and stay on an upwards trajectory.”

Isak is likely to stay at St James’ Park

After a season where the Swedish international has scored 23 goals in all competitions, it is understandable why there is a lot of interest in the striker.

However, as Smith points out, the Magpies have to keep hold of their best players if they are to become an established top 5 team. There are clearly financial pressures with the club having to comply with the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability rules but it’s more likely that other members of the first-team squad will be sold before Isak.

Guimaraes’s future at Newcastle

It has been confirmed by manager Eddie Howe that Bruno Guimaraes does have a release clause in his contract, but it is only valid in the month of June.

The Brazilian international is also attracting interest from Arsenal, Manchester City and other teams. If he does leave, the £100m raised from his sale would negate the need for any other player, such as Isak, to be sold.

You can watch the documentary – Newcastle United: The Road Back To Europe on Shots! TV here