Barcelona receive hope in pursuit of Arsenal target Alexander Isak with Newcastle striker open to La Liga transfer

The Catalan club are in the market for a replacement for 36-year-old Robert Lewandowski and El Chiringuito reports Sweden international Isak is their preferred candidate. Talks with his representatives have already taken place and the Newcastle forward has said he is open to joining.

Arsenal have long been linked with a move for the 25-year-old amid his starring role at Newcastle, but they have been told they will have to fork over £150 million ($187m) to convince the Magpies to sell him. With Barcelona's well-publicised financial issues, however, it is unclear how the Spanish giants intend to match Newcastle's asking price.

Isak, who joined Newcastle from Real Sociedad in 2022, is contracted to the St. James' Park side until 2028 and has been in incredible form this season, scoring 17 goals in 22 Premier League appearances.

After impressing in his side's 2-0 win against Arsenal in the Carabao Cup semi-final last week, Isak will hope to enhance his reputation by netting against Manchester City in the league on Saturday,