Latest developments
- Chelsea have joined the hunt to sign Alexander Isak from Newcastle United.
- The Blues have emerged as Arsenal's main rivals to sign the Swede.
- Newcastle won't let the striker go for less than £115 million.
Whisper+ analysis
Authenticity (2.5/5): Source info could be sketchy
Chelsea have made enquiries to Newcastle about signing centre-forward Alexander Isak, emerging as rivals to Arsenal to land the Swedish striker. The Magpies have also named a £115 million starting price for Isak.
This is all according to sources at Teamtalk.com, although they have not given any real detail as to where this large amount of information has come from.
Value (3.5/5): Another interested club good news for Toon
The same source claims that Newcastle are preparing a lucrative new contract offer to Isak, but should he reject it, two Premier League clubs fighting over their player will be music to Newcastle's ears.
It would be bad news for Chelsea, who will have to play well above valuation for the player worth €75 million on Transfermarkt. But is it worth it when you sign an elite striker and scupper your rivals at the same time?
Suitability (4/5): Chelsea can build around him
Four goals in nine so far this season takes Isak to 35 goals in 61 Premier League appearances. If the 25-year-old stays in England long-term, he could soon be among the highest scorers in the league's history.
However, Newcastle's use of the wings plays to Isak's strengths. To get the best out of him, Chelsea will have to adapt their play out wide, where currently Joao Felix, Noni Madueke and Cole Palmer like to cut inside.
Upgrade (4.5/5): Different type of striker
He has his critics, but Nicolas Jackson has developed into a Premier League forward of a good standard.
Yet, not only is Isak a cut above the Senegalese while offering a different kind of goal threat, Chelsea do not have another top striker, with Deivid Washington and Marc Guiu not challenging for starts at present.
Logic (3/5): Chelsea too inconsistent?
Isak's desire to play regular UEFA Champions League football is said to be his main motivation for wanting to leave Newcastle. That is something that Arsenal have once again, with their few seasons in the wilderness behind them.
Though they are going well under Enzo Maresca, Chelsea have finished lower than the Magpies in recent seasons. Maybe they are back to their best, or maybe this season is an outlier? Either way, there will be doubt in Isak's eyes.
Whisper+ verdict: 17.5/25
From Chelsea's point of view, it is at least worth throwing their hat into the ring, but is Maresca ready to reshape a side that is doing so well?
As for Isak, Arsenal's regular Champions League football meets his criteria better than the Blues.
