Chelsea throw Arsenal £115m gauntlet in race for 21-goal Premier League bagsman

Arsenal could face serious competition from Premier League rivals Chelsea should they be seriously considering a summer transfer move for prolific Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak.

The 24-year-old is one of the top flight's most dangerous goalscorers and netted 21 goals in just 30 league outings last season. Isak joined the Magpies from Real Sociedad in a club record £63 million deal two years ago.

The Daily Mail today reports that Chelsea have made an enquiry about Isak in what looks to be blockbuster move. The Blues have a penchant for big money moves and have earmarked the Sweden international as the perfect candidate to lead the line under Enzo Maresca.

The outlet reports that 'conversations have taken place' between the two clubs and that any deal would be more expensive than the £115 million club record fee paid for Moises Caicedo last year.

Magpies manager Eddie Howe has shared his determination to keep Isak at St James' Park but the club has previously hinted that every player does have their price in a climate where Premier League Profit and Sustainability Rules are tightening up.

There has been talk of Isak agreeing a new Newcastle United contract but there is yet to be confirmation of that deal. His current contract on Tyneside expires in 2028, putting the North East club in a position where they can call the shots over a fee.

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The breaking news from Chelsea piles pressure on Arsenal, who had been linked with interest in Isak's services. The Gunners are expected to bolster their attacking options this summer having also been named as potential suitors for Brentford man Ivan Toney and Sporting Lisbon marksman Viktor Gyokeres.

In April, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano said: “Alexander Isak is another Newcastle player attracting interest, and Arsenal have always appreciated him, even when he was at Real Sociedad. They’ve been scouting him for a while, and he’s considered a really talented striker, and with the style they have, I think he’s appreciated as a good fit for that style.”

At that time, Romano did admit that he was unsure if there had been direct contact between Arsenal and Newcastle United but several outlets have poured fuel onto the fire of those rumours since the end of the season.

Gunners transfer efforts may be focused on other striker candidates but any potential move for Isak could now become financially impossible should Chelsea be readying a bid of over £115 million.