For months, Arsenal has been monitoring the situation surrounding Alexander Isak, with many linking the Swedish striker to the Gunners.

As the Premier League season nears its conclusion, Arsenal’s focus on Isak seemed almost certain.

However, a change in direction has raised eyebrows.

Liverpool, too, has been watching Isak closely, and with recent tensions rising in the Premier League’s top clubs, the whispers around potential moves have only gotten louder.

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Now according to Chronicle Live, Arsenal’s pursuit of Isak, though serious, has now taken a backseat, giving fans and pundits plenty to talk about.

The background to this shift lies in several key factors.

Arsenal’s transfer strategy has evolved under new leadership.

With Andrea Berta arriving as the new sporting director, questions arose over whether Arsenal would continue pushing for Isak, a player they once seemed poised to sign.

Berta, who previously oversaw transfers at Atletico Madrid, had no such interest in Isak while at the La Liga club.

Meanwhile, Newcastle United has been confident in holding onto their star player, making a move for Isak much more complicated.

As Arsenal began weighing their options, it became clear that the financial outlay required for Isak might not be the best approach given their current priorities.

In light of these developments, Arsenal has now reportedly shifted focus to a new target – Victor Gyokeres of Sporting Lisbon.

Arsenal’s interest in the Swedish striker has been growing, especially with Gyokeres priced significantly lower than Isak.

The Sporting Lisbon star, valued at £58.5m, presents a more budget-friendly option, costing £25m less than his release clause.

This decision comes at a time when Newcastle United is reportedly unwilling to let Isak go easily, with an astronomical asking price likely to be placed on his head if the Gunners pressed further.

Arsenal’s move away from Isak is reflective of a broader shift in their transfer strategy under Berta’s leadership.

Eddie Howe, Newcastle’s manager, praised Isak, calling him a “very professional” player, and expressed confidence in the striker’s future at St James’ Park.

For now, Arsenal’s eyes are firmly set on Gyokeres as they look to strengthen their squad ahead of the summer.

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