“No chance” – Eddie Howe on transfers and Alexander Isak after 3-2 Arsenal defeat

The Singapore National Stadium witnessed a spirited Newcastle United performance against Arsenal on Sunday, yet the post-match narrative inevitably shifted to the elephant not in the room – Alexander Isak’s conspicuous absence and the growing tension surrounding his future.

Eddie Howe’s terse “No, no chance” response when questioned about the Swedish striker joining the Asian tour’s South Korean leg spoke volumes about the deteriorating situation, revealing more through its brevity than any lengthy statement could.

Newcastle’s attacking display against Mikel Arteta’s first-choice defense demonstrated they can still threaten elite opposition, with Anthony Elanga’s early goal offering a glimpse of what the £55 million signing might bring.

However, the specter of Isak’s potential departure looms over every positive moment, casting doubt on whether this squad possesses enough firepower for the grueling campaign ahead.

The striker’s extended absence from pre-season preparations – now guaranteed to miss at least three of five warm-up matches – threatens to leave him playing catch-up when the Premier League kicks off next month, regardless of where he plies his trade.

Howe’s unusually blunt dismissal of Isak’s tour participation marks a stark departure from his typically diplomatic media approach, suggesting fractured relations between manager and star player.

This breakdown appears sudden – just days ago, the pair maintained at least surface-level professionalism – but likely stems from Isak’s camp making private intentions public through strategic media leaks.

The 24-year-old’s desire for Champions League football and doubts about Newcastle’s ambition have transformed into open secrets, forcing Howe into increasingly defensive postures during press engagements.

The manager simultaneously faces mounting pressure to strengthen a squad showing worrying signs of stagnation. His admission – “We’re not deluded, we know we need to bring players in” – carried the weary tone of someone repeating himself to deaf ears.

Newcastle’s recruitment team has spent months identifying targets, yet finds itself repeatedly outmaneuvered in a hyper-competitive market.

The failed pursuits of Benjamin Šeško and Yoane Wissa exemplify their struggles; the former attracting interest from wealthier suitors, the latter embroiled in a bitter standoff with Brentford’s hierarchy.

Šeško’s situation particularly frustrates, given Newcastle’s early groundwork with RB Leipzig. The Slovenian’s combination of physicality and technical quality made him an ideal Isak understudy or potential replacement, but the club’s inability to accelerate negotiations has allowed competitors to enter the fray.

Similarly, Wissa’s very public rebellion against Brentford – refusing training to force a move – hasn’t yet compelled the Bees to lower their £50 million valuation, leaving Newcastle hesitant to meet demands for a 28-year-old with minimal resale value.

This transfer inertia contrasts sharply with last summer’s proactive business, raising questions about whether Financial Fair Play constraints or ownership caution have hamstrung operations.

Howe’s reference to completing “all the work we wanted” at season’s end implies prepared plans now gathering dust, victims of either unrealistic valuations or superior competing offers.

The lone senior arrival Elanga represents decent value, yet hardly the statement signing expected after securing European qualification.

Amid this stagnation, Isak’s situation grows increasingly untenable. Keeping an unsettled star risks poisoning the dressing room atmosphere, especially if his performances dip post-transfer window.

Yet selling their talisman without adequate replacement borders on unthinkable – Isak contributed 40% of Newcastle’s league goals last term, a dependency no club should sustain.

Liverpool’s interest adds another layer of complexity; their willingness to test Newcastle’s resolve with nine-figure bids could force a decision no one at St James’ Park truly wants to make.

The Arsenal friendly provided both encouragement and cause for concern. While the team displayed characteristic fight against superior opposition, the lack of depth became apparent as the match progressed.

Callum Wilson’s injury history makes relying on him as sole striker replacement a gamble, and the supporting cast lacks proven goalscorers. Howe’s tactical flexibility – shifting between 4-3-3 and 3-5-2 – can only compensate so much for personnel shortages across a 50+ game season.

As Newcastle travels to Seoul, the disconnect between on-pitch efforts and off-pitch uncertainties grows more pronounced.

Players giving their all in sweltering Asian humidity deserve clarity about who’ll join their Champions League push, just as fans investing emotionally and financially need reassurance about the club’s ambition.

Howe finds himself trapped between these expectations and a recruitment process failing to deliver, all while managing the Premier League’s most volatile striker situation.

The coming weeks will define Newcastle’s season before it begins. Resolving Isak’s future with either a reconciliation or record sale, finally landing primary targets, or settling for panic buys – these decisions will reveal whether last season’s overachievement was springboard or ceiling. For now, the only certainty is that time, like Isak’s patience, is running short.