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.

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

Isak was linked with a move to Arsenal last summer with Newcastle scrambling to pass the Premier League's PSR rules, but would manage to keep hold of their talismanic frontman. He's shown once again this season why he's among the world's best strikers, with 15 goals in all competitions and 13 of those coming in the Premier League.

Alexander Isaks match-winning display for Newcastle at the Emirates Stadium showed what Mikel Arteta lacks; Gunners have also been linked with Wolves striker Matheus Cunha and Brentfords Bryan Mbeumo

Tuesday night could easily be chalked off as a freak result given the chances that Arsenal squandered and they ended the game with an xG of 3.12. According to Opta, that is the highest figure by a Premier League team in any game this season that they failed to score in.

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.