Arsenal's 'MISSING LINK' revealed

Cameron Smith

• 10 Nov 2024 17:30 GMT
• 3 min read

Arsenal legend Paul Merson believes Alexander Isak is the “missing link” for his former side as the Gunners continue to search for a new number nine.

Benjamin Sesko, Viktor Gyokeres and Dusan Vlahovic have all been linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium in 2025, but Mikel Arteta has been urged to finalise a deal to sign Newcastle United forward Isak.

Ahead of Arsenal’s crucial Premier League clash against Chelsea, Merson admitted that his former club should’ve signed Isak during the most recent summer transfer window.

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“I’m a big fan of his,” Merson told Sky Sports. “I'm surprised Arsenal didn't try and break the bank for him at the start of the season.

“I think he was the missing link for Arsenal. I think he can do everything, he can come short, get in the box and he can spread the game.

“That’s what you need. When you’re at Arsenal, you need to spread the game so you can get people like [Martin] Odegaard and [Bukayo] Saka on the ball.

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“At the moment, Arsenal are a bit congested, they haven’t got that ‘run in behind’ player who’s going to stretch the game.

“I’m a really big fan and I thought his header last week was outstanding.”

Alexander Isak to extend Newcastle contract?

Isak has five goals and one assist in 11 appearances across all competitions so far this season, and while his Newcastle contract isn’t due to expire until 2028, the Magpies are eager to extend his current deal.

Ahead of their loss to Chelsea in October, Eddie Howe admitted: “That's a slightly more complex situation.

“Regarding contracts, I'm not involved in those discussions day to day. With Alex, he's got a long contract anyway at the football club and we have to be really careful with our spending due to profit and sustainability rules (PSR). It's not a clear-cut situation.

“We of course love him [Isak] and are desperate for him to stay at Newcastle for many years and score loads of goals for us. I don't see a short-term issue with his contract.”