Arsenal and Chelsea set £80m limit in bidding war for 25-year-old Premier League ace: Reports

According to The Hard Tackle, Arsenal and Chelsea are not looking to pay beyond £80 million for Newcastle United forward Alexander Isak. The Magpies had reportedly placed a £115 million price tag on the 25-year-old.

Since joining Newcastle in August 2022, Isak has proven to be a good finisher. In 79 appearances across competitions, he has scored 40 goals and registered seven assists.

This season, the Swede has netted five goals and registered two assists in 12 appearances in all competitions. Isak's performance hasn't gone under the radar as two London giants look to sign him.

Arsenal's interest in signing Isak could be a strategic move to enhance their attack. It could also be viewed as a move to employ the services of a natural striker who could convert chances consistently. Meanwhile, Chelsea's interest in signing Isak could be a plan to create competition for Nicolas Jackson in attack.

Isak is contracted at Newcastle till June 2028.

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Arsenal interested in signing Mateo Retegui from Atalanta BC - Reports

BSC Young Boys v Atalanta BC - UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD5 - Source: Getty

The Gunners are reportedly monitoring Mateo Retegui, according to a recent report by Calciomercato (via Caught Offside). Retegui's market value has reportedly risen to around €45 million in recent months.

Retegui has been one of the best strikers in Europe's top five leagues this season, scoring 14 goals and registering three assists in 19 games across competitions for Atalanta BC.

The Gunners are eyeing up a move for the Italy international, who is believed to be a cheaper option than Arsenal's primary target Alexander Isak.

Isak's potential fee is expected to be in the region of £115 million, while Retegui might cost the Gunners €43 million.

If signed, Retegui could enhance Arsenal's attacking prowess and could help them in the Premier League title race. The 25-year-old is contracted at Atalanta till June 2028.