Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has emphatically ruled out any possibility of selling Alexander Isak during the upcoming transfer window, amid reported interest from Premier League rivals Arsenal and Liverpool.
Isak, who is of Eritrean descent through his parents, has emerged as one of the Magpies’ standout performers this season, leading to growing speculation surrounding his future.
The Swedish international’s form has reportedly drawn attention from top English clubs, but Howe has moved quickly to quash any transfer talk.
Speaking during his pre-match press conference on Friday, the Newcastle boss made his position clear.
“From my point of view he is not for sale,” Howe stated. “I want to build a squad, I want the strongest team possible for next season. There is a lot to be excited about here, hopefully.
“The end of the season is crucial for us. I think we have a strong squad and if we can add players for the first time in several windows, it will be a massive, massive difference for us. That’s what I’m focusing on, not the opposite.”
Howe further stressed that retaining top players like Isak is vital to Newcastle’s ambitions moving forward.
“We want to keep our best players. I think I’ve made that very clear. It’s not just my desire, it’s everyone’s desire at the club.
“I don’t have a crystal ball, I can’t sit here and say what’s going to happen. I can only say what my desire is, and that is to build a team, the best team possible, and to do that you can’t constantly lose your best players.”
Isak has been pivotal for Newcastle throughout the campaign, and his manager appears determined to ensure that continues.
