BREAKING NEWS: Arsenal are willing to do a big deal in January but only if they can land a primary target.

The Gunners will see if they can tempt RB Leipzig into a deal now to boost the rest of their campaign with a striker.

Arsenal sent Alexander Isak message as ‘first move’ made before stellar transfer audition

Newcastle may have indicated their willingness to part ways with Arsenal transfer target Alexander Isak by showing interest in a new striker, who enjoyed a stellar audition against Liverpool this week

Arsenal are pursuing the signing of Alexander Isak from Newcastle United (

Arsenal have been sent a message regarding their pursuit of Alexander Isak by Newcastle following the Magpies’ interest in a new striker.

The Gunners have been consistently linked with Isak, 25, since last summer. The north Londoners’ desperation to land the Swedish striker has only grown in light of their struggles in front of goal, which cost them back-to-back defeats against Newcastle and Manchester United this month – as well as their injuries to key forwards.

Newcastle have no desire to sell their talisman, reportedly telling Arsenal that it would take a fee of over £115million for them to consider parting ways with Isak, who has been in scintillating form this campaign with 15 Premier League goals to his name.

However, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta now appears to have been given a boost in his pursuit of the rangy forward. The Chronicle reports Newcastle are interested in signing Lille striker Jonathan David on a free transfer this summer, indicating that they may be planning for life after Isak.

Mikel Arteta in ‘constant contact’ with key transfer figure after making Arsenal demand

Arsenal transfer news: Gunners suffer Dusan Vlahovic blow amid £67m Benjamin Sesko dilemma

The report claims the Magpies made their ‘first move’ for the forward, having been represented by a ‘high-level club employee’ in the stands for Lille’s recent 2-1 victory over Nice. Newcastle are said to have joined the race to land his signature once his contract expires at the end of this season.

The Canada international has revealed he is open to a Premier League move in the summer but isn’t set on moving to England. David said: “I think obviously the Premier League is regarded as one of the best leagues in the world. And for me it’s not the Premier League or bust. I’m open to anything and every league has its challenges.”

Newcastle are reportedly keeping tabs on a replacement striker in Jonathan David

He certainly would have impressed Newcastle bosses with his successful audition against Liverpool on Tuesday night in the Champions League. The 25-year-old showed he can make an impact against the very best the Premier League has to offer, scoring at Anfield to cancel out Mohamed Salah’s opening goal, before Harvey Elliott sealed the win over a Lille side which was already down to 10 men.

It is unclear whether Newcastle would want David as a replacement for Isak or to partner him up front. In any case, signing David would make Eddie Howe less reliant on the Swede and potentially open him up to selling Isak for the right price