Arsenal must trigger release clause to sign Alexander Isak

Real Sociedad have no plans of selling Alexander Isak to Arsenal this month unless they trigger the release clause on his contract.

Isak has been a long-term target for the Gunners. He was linked with the club last summer before he put pen-to-paper on a new deal.

As part of the extension, his buy-out clause was increased from €70 million to €90m, but there remains speculation over his future.

AS (today’s edition, Page 16) now reports that Sociedad are yet to receive any formal offers for Isak despite the Gunners’ continued interest.

It is added that they won’t entertain the €50m bid suggested by the English media. The Gunners must trigger the buy-out clause to sign him.

Our view:

The Gunners are after a new centre-forward this month. Dusan Vlahovic is obviously the prime target with a bid of around €70m likely to be tabled.

However, a deal appears unlikely at the current point. While La Viola would like to sell, the player and his agent seem prepared to wait until the summer.

This could urge the Gunners’ hierarchy to look at alternatives. Isak will be among the top names on their radar with technical director Edu being a big admirer.

Still, we don’t see a deal happening as the Gunners are unlikely to afford the entire €90m fee in a single payment to trigger the player’s release clause.

Meanwhile, Isak has no plans of pushing for a move this month. A formal bid may be delayed until the summer when Sociedad could be willing to negotiate.

The 22-year-old has netted only eight goals from 24 games for Sociedad this term, but his all-round play is something which will have grabbed Mikel Arteta’s eye.

The Swede has impressed with his quality link-up play and dribbling from deep attacking positions. He could be an ideal replacement for Alexandre Lacazette.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com

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