Eddie Howe is adamant that Newcastle United want Alexander Isak to stay at the club after the striker was linked with a move to Arsenal.
Isak took his tally to 10 goals in the Premier League this season after scoring a hat-trick in Newcastle’s 4-0 win away to Ipswich Town on Saturday.
Arsenal, meanwhile, are understood to be considering the prospect of signing a new striker and the club remain huge admirers of Isak, who joined Newcastle for a club-record £63 million fee from Real Sociedad in 2022.
However, Howe insists the Sweden international remains part of Newcastle’s ‘long-term plans’.
‘We absolutely want to keep Alex at the football club,’ said Howe.
‘There’s no part of me, or anybody at Newcastle, that wants to let Alex go. He’s very much part of our long-term plans. Personally, I don’t see that being an issue.’
When asked if he feels he can convince Isak to stay at Newcastle, Howe said: ‘I don’t think necessarily at this stage that we have to.
‘He is motivated and he wants to do well. He has big aspirations for his career. He is still relatively young and still has a bright future ahead of him.
‘I know his desire to score goals is second to none. Every conversation I had about Newcastle concerning his future with him has been very positive.
‘I would love for him, and other players, to be the man who contributes to us winning a trophy. That is the aim.’
For more stories like this, check our sport page.
Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.