ARSENAL hope to sign Real Sociedad star Alexander Isak for less than his £76million asking price, reports suggest.

Isak is considered as an alternative to Fiorentina star Dusan Vlhaovic, who is the Gunners' top target during the January transfer window.

According to The Athletic, the north Londoners are having doubts about their pursuit of Vlahovic as although they are confident they can reach a deal with Fiorentina, the same doesn't apply with the striker and his representatives.

That is why Arsenal are also keeping tabs on Isak but would only be willing to negotiate a lower price.

Manager Mikel Arteta is in great need of a new centre-forward as Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah are set to become free agents.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has also fallen out of favour following another disciplinary breach that cost him the captain's armband.

Aubameyang has been removed from Arteta's squad and trains alone after his early return from the Africa Cup of Nations.

The Gabon international has received an offer from Al Hilal, who are willing to sign him on loan until the end of the season.

BETTING SPECIAL – GET £40 IN FREE BETS ON THE AFCON

Most read in Football

However, the striker is not keen on moving to the Middle East as he is motivated to continue playing at an elite level in one of Europe's top leagues.

Paris Saint-Germain are thought to be interested in the 32-year-old but his mammoth £350,000-a-week wages pose a major problem.

Isak has been impressive at Sociedad with a total of eight goals and two assists in 25 appearances this season.

The Sweden international has registered 41 goals and seven assists in 114 matches across all competitions ever since his move to the Anoeta from Borussia Dortmund in 2019.

⚽ Read our Football news live blog for the very latest rumours, gossip and done deals

Source: Read Full Article