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Football London
Football London
Sport
Aaron Catterson-Reid

Arsenal dealt major transfer blow as Barcelona join race for £75million striker


Barcelona have joined the race to sign Arsenal target Alexander Isak, according to recent reports.

The Gunners need to sign a long-term replacement for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who left for Barcelona during the January transfer window.

Fellow frontmen Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah are also into the final months of their respective contracts, meaning technical director Edu may need to bring in two centre-forwards to north London this summer.

One name that has been linked is Real Sociedad star Isak, who has a £75million release clause in his contract at Reale Arena.

Arsenal supporters spotted the Swedish international in London during the winter window, with some fans theorising that the youngster was close to completing a move to join Mikel Arteta and Co.

Now, Spanish outlet Sport have claimed that Barcelona are also keen on signing the 22-year-old if they are unable to bring in first-choice target Erling Haaland, who seems likely to leave Borussia Dortmund at the end of the current campaign.

When asked about the north Londoners' interest last month, Isak told Mundo Deportivo: "I am not talking about other clubs.

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"I am a Real player, I work here and this is my club. My work is on the pitch, and as I told you before, there are other people who work outside."

Asked if he will stay at Sociedad, he replied: "You can never be sure of anything.

"As I always say, you never know what can happen in football but in the end I’m here, happy, and nothing more."

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