Alexander Isak on his Newcastle future - Two interviews revisited after Chelsea approach

In a surprise 'exclusive' yesterday, The Mail's Craig Hope revealed that Chelsea have approached Newcastle over a potential move for star striker Alexander Isak.

It's not what we wanted to hear when the club must raise funds before the PSR deadline of June 30th, but there's plenty of reason to believe the Blues won't stand a chance, especially when you look at Isak's recent comments.

Speaking in April, he said "I don't want to entertain these type of questions" when asked about links with Arsenal and PSG, insisting he "came for the project" and "wants to be here in the future." He issued a similar message earlier this month, Isak said he had "no thoughts of a move", stressing how happy he was on Tyneside, both on and off the pitch.

See his recent quotes in full below, starting with his comments in April:

Alexander Isak (April 2024): “Yeah, of course I want to be here in the future. I came here for the project, I absolutely love playing here, I really feel at home. I want to finish this season in a good way for me and the team. I love playing here.”

“I don’t want to entertain these type of questions and rumours. It’s not my position. I love playing, we have important games, there’s no focus there (on my future), I just want to do good for the team.

“We want Europe, that’s our target. We want to end up as high as possible, so we have to be positive in that respect. We have to keep winning games and we’ll see which place is available.”

Alexander Isak (June 2024): “I’m enjoying myself very, very well in Newcastle. I had my best season now in my career. That should not be underestimated.

“I love everything really about the club, the fans, the city. I actually have no thoughts of a move or anything like that. I enjoy myself fantastically well and am very happy with my life.

“It is not something I am speculating on. Within the team or the club there has been no talk or drama around it. I have not received the information from the club that they would have to sell me.”

Mix these quotes from the man himself with his importance to our project and our owners ambition to build around our best players - not sell them to 'big six' rivals - and I'd be extremely shocked if he left for Chelsea; a circus of a club who can't offer him Champions League football, stability or the chance to work with a top, top manager.

We may struggle to keep him at St James' Park in years to come if his stunning form continues, but I'm sure he'll be aiming higher than Chelsea if he does depart.