Arsenal left with transfer dilemma as Martin Odegaard's Alexander Isak feelings clear

Arsenalcould have a transfer dilemma on their hands after the update surrounding Alexander Isak.

The Gunnershave previously been linked with a move for Isak this summer as part of their long-awaited search for a new striker. Newcastle United are reported to value the Sweden international at more than £120million, but are seemingly adamant in their stance that the player is not for sale this window.

However, reports emerged on Thursday from the Daily Mail claiming that Isak has informed Newcastle of his wish to explore options away from St James' Park this summer. As a result, speculation has been intensified that the striker could leave the Magpies, with Liverpool being mentioned as the most likely destination.

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Earlier in the summer, Arsenal were heavily linked with signing Isak, but have now focused their attention on bringing Viktor Gyokeres to the Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners already have a connection with Isak, with their club captain once playing alongside the Newcastle striker. Martin Odegaard was once a teammate of Isak's during their time with Real Sociedad.

During the 2019/20 season, Odegaard spent a year on loan at Sociedad from Real Madrid where he shared a dressing room alongside Isak. This season saw Isak and Odegaard become good friends, and most recently, the Arsenal star made his feelings about the Newcastle striker very clear.

Isak enjoyed a successful season with Newcastle last term, scoring 27 goals in all competitions and won the Carabao Cup with the Magpies. Such form led to Isak being compared to Erling Haaland as one of the best strikers in Europe.

Back in March, Odegaard was asked to compare Isak and Haaland. The question was asked during the Arsenal captain's time with the Norway national team, where he also shared a dressing room alongside Haaland.

“Both are good in and around the box and score a lot of goals," Odegaard told Fotboll Skanalen back in March. "They are a little different in their style of play, but both are dangerous goal scorers.

“I have been lucky enough to play with both of them and found it enjoyable. If you look at what Erling has done and the records, he sets all the time, it speaks for itself. But it is clear that Isak has had a very good season and is a fantastic player.”

It remains to be seen where Isak will be playing his football next season, with the possibilities of either staying at Newcastle or a move to Liverpool being on the table at this stage.