Alexander Isak to snub Arsenal? Newcastle striker backed to join Liverpool instead as Jamie Carragher casts doubt on Arsenal, Real Madrid and Barcelona moves

Isak has been strongly linked with a move away from the Magpies in the next summer transfer window with top European clubs eyeing a move for the Swedish forward. Premier League giants Arsenal and Liverpool have set their sights on the striker and will face competition from La Liga giants like Real Madrid and Barcelona. The Gunners require a quality attacking option before the next season, after dealing with multiple injury woes, including long-term setbacks for forwards Gabriel Jesus, Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz in the 2024-25 campaign. However, ex-Liverpool star and pundit Carragher felt that the Reds would be the favourites to land the Newcastle attacker.

Speaking on It's Called Soccer! podcast, Carragher said: "I don't really get all the talk about going to Arsenal. I know Arsenal would love him, but one thing I would say as well, Arsenal aren't the only team that need a centre-forward. Liverpool need one as well. I think in the summer, Liverpool will be in the market for a centre-forward. So I think if he was available, there's no doubt Arsenal would go for him, but I think Liverpool would be part of that queue as well.

"The problem you've got with Real Madrid is they've got [Kylian] Mbappe, Barcelona I'm not sure have the money - but they probably would be in the market for a centre-forward because you think of the age of [Robert] Lewandowski. But if he's to leave Newcastle, he has to go to a team that has a realistic chance of winning the Champions League because that's how good he is."

The former England defender added: "You know the talk about Isak. There's a lot of talk about Isak. There's a feeling that Arsenal are going to sign him or that they need to sign him. As an Arsenal fan, do you think that's realistic? He's got three years left on his contract.

"Liverpool are desperate for a centre-forward as well but there's no talk of Liverpool getting him. So I don't know where all this talk of Arsenal signing Isak is coming from. Liverpool need one as well and if they win the league and Isak was going to leave, surely you pick the team who wins the league. I don't get it. It's not realistic for Arsenal, is it? Are Arsenal paying £130m for him?"

The 25-year-old will be back in action next Sunday as Eddie Howe's side take on Nottingham Forest in a crucial Premier League game at home.