Freddie Ljungberg urges 'special' Alexander Isak to join Arsenal, Chelsea or Manchester City

Today at 08:07 AM

Freddie Ljungberg ‘hopes’ Alexander Isak joins a Premier League giant like Arsenal, Chelsea or Manchester City where he can ‘go to the absolute top’.

Isak has established himself as one of the most highly-rated forwards in the Premier League since arriving in England in the summer of 2022.

The Sweden international reached double digits in his first season at St James’ Park and bagged 25 goals in all competitions last season, with only Cole Palmer and Erling Haaland contributing more in the Premier League.

Isak has been repeatedly linked with some of the biggest clubs in Europe but Newcastle have so far been able to keep potential suitors at bay.

Ljungberg, a two-time Premier League winner, believes Isak can go to another level at the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea or Man City and has described his compatriot as ‘freaking special’.

'I like Isak. His top level is huge,’ the Arsenal legend told Swedish outlet Expressen.

‘He has these super top qualities that I, as a coach, might look for. I want players who have some super power, then you can put them in special situations and know that they will make a difference.

‘His top qualities are so freaking special that I think he can be even better. He could go all the way up to the absolute top because of the speed he has, the nice finishes and the understanding of the game.

‘This is the player for whom I want things to go so incredibly well. He seems so humble and down to earth, and it feels like he just wants to work hard and play football.

‘I really hope he can take the next step. Newcastle is a good club. There is nothing wrong with that.

‘But at some point I hope he goes to Arsenal, Chelsea or Man City where he can pour in goals. That’s what I hope.’

The presence of Erling Haaland means Manchester City do not currently need another striker but both Arsenal and Chelsea expressed interest in signing a new goalscorer last summer.

Both clubs decided to keep their powder dry and appear to have made a wise decision with Kai Havertz and Nicolas Jackson impressing for their respective clubs so far this season.

Isak has been sidelined for a month but is set to return to action on Saturday afternoon when Newcastle face Brighton at St James’ Park.

Eddie Howe’s side, who played in the Champions League last season, have only lost one of their opening seven games to sit just outside the top-four places ahead of the visit of Brighton.

For more stories like this, check our sport page.

Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.