The chase for Alexander Isak by Arsenal could be influenced by the recent appointment at Newcastle United.

The Gunners have been strongly associated with a move for Isak in the past few months, with a new striker being suggested as a priority during the summer transfer window. Mikel Arteta has yet to bring any new faces to the Emirates this summer, but that hasn't stopped the rumor mill from churning out potential targets. Isak is one such player who has been named in recent reports as a target for Arsenal.

The Swedish international made his move to Newcastle from Real Sociedad two years ago in a deal exceeding PS60 million. Recent whispers have indicated that Newcastle might demand nearly PS200 million to let Isak depart.

The St James' Park side was compelled to offload Elliot Anderson and Yankuba Minteh to adhere to the June 30 deadline for the Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR). Anthony Gordon was even offered to Liverpool And there are still murmurs that Newcastle may need to sell more players this summer, fuelling suggestions that Arsenal may still have an opportunity to sign Isak.

With the Magpies' latest appointment, there's likely to be even more speculation. Newcastle announced the appointment of Paul Mitchell as their new sporting director on Wednesday, reports Football London.

Mitchell is set to step into the shoes of Dan Ashworth, who recently departed for a similar role at Manchester United. His remit will include shaping Newcastle's transfer strategy in the upcoming summer window, which will encompass both incoming and outgoing deals.

A key part of Mitchell's job will be deciding on Isak's future amid rumors of interest from Arsenal. Whether Mitchell will echo Ashworth's determination to retain Isak at St James' Park this summer, particularly if an official bid from Arsenal materializes, remains to be seen.

Nonetheless, the appointment of a new sporting director at Newcastle is likely to fuel further speculation about the forward's future.