Arsenal face competition in race to sign 21-year-old Euro 2020 star

It promises to be a busy summer ahead at Arsenal, as the club plot to overhaul their current squad in a bid to return to European qualification next term. 

The Gunners’ eight-placed finish in the Premier League last season, their worst in 25 years,  meant that they failed to qualify or any European competition, and it has since been widely reported that the club will allow boss Mikel Arteta to spend big this summer in order to get the squad up to stretch.

Technical director Edu will spearhead the spending spree, with a centre-back, midfielder and striker top of the shopping list.

However, Arsenal could have already come up against an obstacle in their efforts to sign one of their top targets.

According to Spanish outlet AS, the Gunners are facing stiff competition from Spanish giants Real Madrid in the race to sign Alexander Isak.

Isak shone in the goalless draw with Spain, but is yet to find the net at Euro 2020

The Sweden striker has impressed at Euro 2020 and a number of Europe’s biggest clubs are reportedly chasing the youngster.

The report suggests that Real Madrid have expressed an interest in Isak, who, despite not scoring so far, has impressed for Sweden in the absence of Zlatan Ibrahimovich.

It’s claimed that the 21-year-old has a £59 million release clause in his current deal with Real Sociedad, and it is believed that the La Liga side will hold out for that fee and refuse to sell for anything less.

Madrid could hold an advantage over Arsenal in the race for Isak, as the player is represented by the same agent as Real midfielder Luka Modric.

Arsenal have reportedly already made contact with the player’s representatives, insisting that they will make a deal happen if the player is keen on a move to the Premier League.

Real may perceive Isak as a cheaper alternative to Erling Braut Haaland or Kylian Mbappe, with Karim Benzema approaching his mid-30s and the Spanish side still enduring financial hardship.

With Sweden’s progression to the last 16 set to halt any swift move for the player, when he eventually returns from international duty his representatives will likely be very busy after the striker’s impressive performances so far this summer.