“I will join Arsenal if Arteta promise me ONE thing”: Newcastle United’s striker Alexander Isak says he’s ready to join Arsenal but on ONE condition

Arsenal continue to be linked with a move for Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak as Mikel Arteta looks to bolster his attacking options.

The Gunners are among several clubs said to be eyeing up the Swedish forward, who has emerged as one of the world’s leading No.9s. Arsenal is in desperate need of attacking reinforcements with Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka currently out with long-term injuries.

Gunners boss Arteta has been forced to use midfielder Mikel Merino as a makeshift striker with so few options available. Unfortunately for the Gunners, Merino has often looked out of place up front, with the Spaniard netting just four goals since being used in that position.

In contrast, Isak has scored 23 goals in all competitions for the Magpies this season, playing a key role in their Carabao Cup victory and a potential top-four finish this term. Arteta’s men are likely to face stiff competition if they want to acquire Isak’s services this summer, with Premier League champions-elect Liverpool also said to be interested.

There is also the very real possibility that the 25-year-old may opt to stay at St James’ Park for at least another campaign. Newcastle’s League Cup win may have given him an exciting vision of what his current team could achieve under Eddie Howe.

Their possible qualification for the Champions League is only also likely to harm Arsenal’s chances of signing him. Who is to say that with the right signings this summer, Newcastle could make a surprise push for the top-flight title next term?

But one potential advantage that could possibly persuade Isak over a move to the Emirates Stadium has been shared by Riccardo Calafiori. The Italian defender arrived in North London from Bologna last summer and has revealed how Arteta’s man management played a role in his decision to join Arsenal.

“As for Arteta, I was immediately struck by how much he cared about getting to know me. One day on the phone he sent me some photos of my family and asked me to say what each member of the family meant to me.

“Nothing like this had ever happened to me before, I’m not saying that he convinced me with this alone, but it certainly represented an important moment.”

While Isak is likely to have the pick of clubs he could join if he decides to leave Newcastle, perhaps it could be the charm of a potential new manager which sways his decision. Every player is different, but having a head coach who shows their human side could make all the difference.