HAPPENING LIVE: Alexander Isak deal to Arsenal expected to be completed; paperwork done last night as medical staff prepares to welcome Arsenal’s second January signing.

Arsenal have been told to go ‘all out’ to capture Newcastle striker Alexander Isak during the January transfer window. The 24-year-old has surfaced as one of the candidates that could be made available by the Magpies due to Financial Fair Play (FFP).

It’s no secret that Newcastle are currently facing their most difficult battle in complying with FFP guidelines in recent years. The Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules (PSR) may require them to sell some of its best players in order to maintain their upward trajectory.

Their recent accounts, which showed a £73.4million loss, has led to speculation over the likes of Bruno Guimaraes and Isak. Rio Ferdinand, who saw Isak score a brilliant goal against Manchester City last weekend, has urged Arsenal to answer their centre-forward problems with the Swede.

“Alexander Isak was running in behind constantly (against Manchester City),” Ferdinand said on his FIVE podcast. “If I’m Arsenal, I’ll go all out and buy him.

“Why? They can’t spend because they’re battling with [profit and sustainability regulations]. I believe he needs to improve further before joining a team like Real Madrid. I read somewhere that they have to sell before they can buy again.

According to football.london’s Josh Holland, Isak has always impressed me when I’ve seen him play for Newcastle. His tall and athletic build creates problems for defenders; combine that with electrifying pace and a clinical finish, and he’s amazing.

Arsenal wanted him when he was at Real Sociedad. Newcastle signed him and he will cost a premium now, but the caveat is that he will now come with Premier League experience. At only 24, he could be the Gunners’ answer now and in the future.

Newcastle’s poor campaign, currently 10th, means Champions League football is highly unlikely to return to Tyneside next season. Arsenal shouldn’t need much recruitment analysis to know this deal makes complete sense.