Barcelona will have to battle Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea for €100m+ key target | OneFootball

Barcelona plan to enter the transfer market for a new forward in the summer transfer window, with Alexander Isak of Newcastle United being identified as a key target.

The Blaugrana have been admirers of the Swedish striker for a long time now and see him as an ideal target to reinforce the frontline as he could be the heir to Robert Lewandowski in the No. 9 role while also being capable of operating on the left flank.

Isak deal not easy to pull off

However, according to SPORT, Barcelona are likely to encounter several obstacles in their bid to sign Alexander Isak from Newcastle United.

The main obstacle for the Blaugrana is the financial aspect. Newcastle are demanding over €100 million for the former Real Sociedad striker, a figure that Barça cannot currently afford unless they make a significant sale in the summer.

Beyond that, Barcelona are not the only top club interested in Isak. Liverpool, Arsenal, and Chelsea are also keen on the Swedish forward, whose market value continues to rise, and the Premier League trio would be able to meet the Magpies’ valuation.

Isak a key target for Barcelona. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

Newcastle United’s stance

According to the report, Isak is determined to take a step forward in his career next summer, and Newcastle are open to selling him – provided they receive what they consider a fair offer. This means any club wanting him will need to submit a bid of at least €100 million.

However, one key factor could either block or increase the price of Isak’s transfer – Newcastle’s qualification for the Champions League.

If the Magpies secure a spot in Europe’s elite competition, they will be far less inclined to let go of their star striker, as they aim to compete at the highest level.

After 25 league matches, Eddie Howe’s side sit seventh in the Premier League table, just three points away from a Champions League spot with 13 games remaining.

Barcelona reached out to Isak’s representatives at the end of 2024 to explore a move. But, as things stand, signing him appears more complicated than securing Luis Diaz, whose contract with Liverpool expires sooner and who has a strong desire to play for the Blaugrana.