Gustav Isaksen ‘will be the biggest sale in Midtjylland’s history’, director Claus Steinlein tells Ekstra Bladet of winger linked with Premier League trio Arsenal, Newcastle United and West Ham.
Brentford midfielder Frank Onyeka is currently the club’s most expensive export, with former Crystal Palace striker Alexander Sorloth not far behind. Onyeka’s place in the Midtjylland history books is likely to come under threat sooner rather than later, however, as Denmark U21 international Isaksen goes from strength to strength at the MCH Arena.
Isaksen, a two-footed right-winger who can also play on the left, has seven goals this season; one of those coming in a 5-1 thumping of Maurizio Sarri’s Lazio in the UEFA Europa League.
And, according to Calciomercato, the silky Scandinavian is already a target for the likes of Arsenal, Newcastle and West Ham, plus Serie A duo Fiorentina and AC Milan.
A £17 million transfer fee has been mooted by some. And, when quizzed about Isaksen’s price-tag, Steinlein did not rule out selling Midtyjlland’s prized asset for a similarly eye-watering fee.
Is Gustav Isaksen heading to the Premier League from Danish football?
“There is really great interest in him,” says the director. “And I am almost certain that he will be the biggest sale in the club’s history. “Yes (he can cost more than £17 million). So we have to go and get a really good price for him.”
A wiry forward who carries the ball with terrifying speed, Isaksen has the acceleration to leave opposition defenders in the dust while wriggling out of the tightest of gaps. He certainly looks well-suited to Mikel Arteta’s brand of football at Premier League leaders Arsenal; sharing more than a few similarities with the likes of Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli.
He would also represent an upgrade on the likes of Ryan Fraser and Jacob Murphy at Newcastle United. West Ham, meanwhile, are looking at another talented in young winger; Vasco da Gama teenager Eguinaldo.
“He is not only wanted in Italy. All of Europe saw the match in which he burned Lazio. He has raised his level. He has become a better player,” Steinlein adds, confirming that Isaksen will leave in 2023
“While our other players struggle to succeed at (European) level, Gustav is always dangerous. He succeeds all the time. He’s a player with huge international potential.
“(Isaksen) will be sold this summer.”
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
