Chelsea give up on Alexander Isak
According to evening standard; Chelsea's summer transfer plans have hit a snag, with the club forced to abandon their pursuit of Alexander Isak. The Blues, eager to add firepower to their attack, had identified the Swedish striker as a potential solution to their goalscoring woes.
However, Newcastle's unwavering stance on their prized asset has proven insurmountable. The Magpies, having invested heavily in Isak last summer, are unwilling to part ways with him for anything less than a substantial profit, a price Chelsea are unwilling to pay. This financial impasse has left the London club searching for alternative targets, with their initial hopes of securing Isak's services dashed against the reality of Newcastle's firm valuation.
Emile Smith Rowe to push for Arsenal exit
According to evening standard; Emile Smith Rowe's future at Arsenal hangs in the balance, with the talented midfielder poised to request a move away from the Emirates Stadium this summer. The 23-year-old, once a promising prospect for the Gunners, has found himself relegated to a peripheral role under Mikel Arteta, struggling to secure consistent playing time. This lack of opportunities has fueled Smith Rowe's desire for a fresh start, a chance to reignite his career and showcase his undeniable talent. The situation presents a difficult decision for Arsenal, who must weigh the potential of a player who has shown flashes of brilliance against the reality of his limited recent contributions. The club must now decide whether to retain a player with immense potential but limited recent playing time, or grant his request for a transfer in search of regular first-team football.
Football Inside claim that Smith Rowe will make it clear to the Gunners that he needs a move, amid interest from the likes of Aston Villa, Fulham and Crystal Palace.It’s believed that Arsenal are holding out on a fee in the region of £30m.