Why Isak is NOT the right man for Arsenal

Suraj Radia

Updated: 24 Oct 2024 20:54 BST
3 min read

Arsenal have been handed a major boost in their long-term interest of Alexander Isak but the Newcastle striker may have missed his opportunity to join Mikel Arteta’s side.

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Isak has been on Arsenal’s radar for many years and was a major target for the club prior to his €70 million transfer to Newcastle in 2022, with his playstyle often drawing comparisons to Gunners legend Thierry Henry.

Arsenal are still believed to hold an interest in Isak after his impressive stint in England so far, where he has scored 32 goals in 58 Premier League appearances.

Newcastle are keen to tie their talismanic striker down to a new contract and were thought to be in talks over an extension but the Daily Mail claim that negotiations have been put on hold, with Isak not convinced over the Magpies’ capabilities of providing him Champions League football.

The revelation has led to speculation that Arsenal could return for an approach to sign Isak next summer but the Swede’s poor and injury-filled start to the season may cause doubts over his suitability for a transfer.

With Newcastle likely to demand a fee of around €100m to part ways with Isak, Arsenal could find better value elsewhere in their bid to solve their number nine situation once and for all.

© IMAGO - Alexander Isak has yet to hit top form this season for Newcastle.

Arsenal overloaded with striker options to sign next summer

Isak proved himself as one of the standout strikers in England last season after netting 21 goals in 30 Premier League games but he has scored just once in his six appearances this year.

The 25-year-old has also struggled with injury this season, being sidelined for two Premier League games already, taking his tally to 22 games missed for the Magpies since his arrival.

While there are no doubts over Isak’s ability, particularly as a Premier League-proven striker, the player’s inconsistency in front of goal, combined with his repeated injury concerns, make it difficult to justify a near-record outlay for his signature.

Current ETV

Alexander Isak

F (C)

Newcastle Utd.

Alexander Isak

F (C)

Newcastle Utd.

ETV Range

€52.4M - €87.3M

Arsenal are likely to push for a number nine next summer in the mould of Isak but the Gunners are aware that Newcastle would demand a significant fee to sell to a Premier League rival, particularly with the player’s contract not expiring until 2028.

Instead, Arsenal could return with a move for Benjamin Sesko or Victor Osimhen, with the likes of Jhon Duran, Lois Openda and Victor Boniface all likely to be available for similar or cheaper fees.

While Isak would be a natural, Premier League-proven fit for Arsenal, there are now a large selection of strikers on the market, giving Arteta his pick of finding the best candidate to lead his side to the next level.