Arsenal leave door open for Newcastle step up perfect Alexander Isak transfer plan

Newcastle face the prospect of losing Alexander Isak this summer - and among those lined up to replace him is RB Leipzig frontman Benjamin Sesko.

The Slovenian is viewed as one of Europe's best young strikers and he's been linked with a number of Premier League sides. Arsenal made him their top target earlier this summer before later pivoting and landing Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting Lisbon.

Their reason for going after the Swede, rather than Sesko, was thought to be influenced by his wage demands. The Leipzig star continues to go from strength to strength but the Gunners felt he was demanding too much for a player that is still 22 and developing.

It means he remains on the market and Leipzig have continued to show they will sell their top players for the right fee. Sesko - who recently "really impressed" Red Bull chief Jurgen Klopp - is now on Newcastle's shortlist and they can swoop in should a major void end up appearing in their forward line.

Eddie Howe has been praised for how he's bought on a number of players, helping make Newcastle a Champions League outfit. And now he could have the opportunity to do so again with Sesko and prove that he is indeed worth the investment Arsenal chose not to make. The Magpies would likely have to rip up their wage structure if they did want to land the Slovenia international.

Newcastle will ultimately only attempt to sign the star, who scored 13 goals in 33 Bundesliga appearances last season, if Isak leaves. The Swede has informed the club that he wants to explore his options away from St James' Park with Liverpool now circling.

It is likely to take a British-record bid to convince the Magpies to sell their leading light, who they value at around £150million. If they did receive that kind of fee they may opt to sell and re-invest the money into their squad, which could allow for signings like Sesko, as well as others.

Howe has confessed that the club need to make moves in the market with Newcastle struggling in recent windows. The £55m capture of Anthony Elanga boosts their attack, but they will need a focal point if Isak does decide to seek pastures new.

He said: "We know we need to bring players in. We've known that for a long time. We did a lot of work (at the end of last season), we knew what we wanted. But it's been a challenging transfer window. Let's see what we can do."

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