Arsenal’s radar is firmly locked on Newcastle sensation Alexander Isak, who was spotted in deep conversation with the Magpies’ chairman Yasir Al Rumayyan. The Swedish striker, a £120million gem in Arteta’s eyes, found himself the centre of attention from PIF’s financial maestro Al Rumayyan following a stalemate with Brighton.
Isak, flanked by his family, engaged in an extensive post-match dialogue with Al Rumayyan right on the St James’ Park turf. With goals that have sparked contract renewal chatter, Isak stands to see his earnings skyrocket should he join a Champions League heavyweight, according to the Mirror.
Al Rumayyan, the powerhouse behind Newcastle’s purse strings and the Saudi investment fund, as well as the figurehead of LIV Golf, was in town for a seasonal debrief and a sneak peek at the club’s ambitions for the upcoming summer and beyond.
Despite a lacklustre display against Brighton, marred by a bout of illness the day prior, Isak’s performance didn’t dampen Eddie Howe’s spirits. He praised the unity shown by the club’s hierarchy, including Amanda Staveley, who holds a 5.6 per cent stake, mingling with players and their families on the pitch post-game.
Howe extolled the virtues of this camaraderie, saying: “The big thing is you want the club to be one team and we have had that since we are here… owners, players, staff.”
He added, “It is really healthy that they come on the pitch at the end. Everyone showing their appreciation for each other and especially us to the supporters.”
Meanwhile, Roberto De Zerbi has challenged his Brighton squad to exhibit “personality” and clinch a top-half league finish.
Facing challenging times, Brighton boss De Zerbi confessed that his team weren’t performing their best. He announced: “We would like to finish in the top ten. That’s not a big result, but we played in Europe, had injuries so finishing top ten will be a great, great result and better than last season.”
Despite this, he showed determination stating” “It is not the best moment of my time but we have to fight with personality and I’m pleased with that.”
Meanwhile, Brighton’s Joel Veltman, having netted a goal, shared: “My average is one a season so I have it! We practiced that corner on Friday. The draw was fair. We played well defensively. Isak was not in the game, so compliments to our defence.”
Looking ahead, Veltman confidently stated: “It is a big point at Newcastle and we want six more.”
