Alexander Isak has been in spectacular form for Newcastle this season to once again reignite rumours of a potential transfer to Arsenal, who have a clearing picture of the terms of his exit

Alexander Isak has been in sensational form for Newcastle this season, leading to speculation that Arsenal could make a move for the Sweden international in the summer

Arsenal’s hopes of signing Alexander Isak have been dealt a blow despite Newcastle seemingly needing to offload players this month. Isak enhanced his already growing reputation this week by scoring at the Emirates on Tuesday, as the Magpies secured a 2-0 first leg lead in their Carabao Cup semi-final.

Arteta regularly eulogises over Anfield and St James’ Park, the ‘jungles’ and ‘washing machine’-like atmospheres he revels in. He has spoken of wanting to write the first chapters of defining nights at the Emirates, but the fever that had been building the past two years has faded this season and Tuesday saw some fans leave early.

If ever there was a game that made it abundantly clear what Arsenal need to do in the transfer market between now and the end of the month it was the one we witnessed against Newcastle last night.On

Alexander Isak has been in sensational form for Newcastle this season, but Emile Heskey doubts Arsenal have any chance of signing the Sweden striker this month

Ian Wright believes Mikel Arteta has been forced to rely too heavily on the creativity of Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka and Arsenal must look to strengthen in the January transfer window. Odegaard was sidelined for two months with an ankle problem at the start of the season and it’s no coincidence that Arsenal’s revival in form over the winter period has coincided with their captain’s return to full fitness.