Arsenal legend 'hopes' Gunners sign 'superhuman' €100m striker

Tom Weber

Updated: 19 Oct 2024 13:27 BST
3 min read

Mikel Arteta, Arsenal, 2023/24 — © IMAGO

Alexander Isak has a 'superpower' and should be playing for Arsenal, according to Freddie Ljungberg.

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The Newcastle striker has been one of the Premier League's most exciting players since joining the Magpies for a whopping €70 million in 2022. A unique forward who, despite his height, is not a traditional target man, Isak has netted 36 goals in 73 games in England.

By his high standards, Isak had a slow start to the new season, scoring just once in six games for Newcastle before suffering a broken toe that has kept him sidelined since late September.

Still, the Swede is one of Europe's most in-demand centre-forwards. Isak is still under contract until 2028 and there has been speculation that he could be set for a new deal, but equally, he continues to be linked with a move away.

Arsenal and Chelsea were heavily linked with him in the summer, but Newcastle refused to even entertain the thought of selling him and there was an acceptance that he would have cost in excess of €100 million.

Ljungberg wants to see Isak at Arsenal

This stance likely hasn't changed, but links to the Gunners and other sides will keep coming. If it were up to Arsenal legend Freddie Ljungberg, Isak would be playing for his ex-club or another elite side before long.

Speaking to Expressen, Ljungberg waxed lyrical about the striker, ascribing almost superhuman qualities to the Newcastle man. ”I like Isak. He is amazing when he plays at his highest level," the Swede said.

"He has these super top qualities that I, as a coach, look for. I want players who have some superpower, then you can put them in special situations and know that they will make a difference.

“This is a player for whom I want things to go so incredibly well. He seems so humble and down to earth, and it feels like he just wants to work hard and play football. I really hope he can take the next step.

“Newcastle is a good club. There is nothing wrong with that. But at some point, I hope he goes to Arsenal, Chelsea or City where he can pour in goals. That's what I hope.”