Alexander Isak SHINES on Arsenal transfer audition

Cameron Smith

• 8 Jan 2025 00:00 CST
• 4 min read

Alexander Isak continued his red-hot form during Newcastle United’s 2-0 victory over Arsenal in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night.

The Sweden international scored for the fifth consecutive game as Eddie Howe’s side secured a vital win in the first-leg of the semi-final tie.

Isak reacted quickest following a Martin Dubravka free-kick and fired a left-footed effort past David Raya, via the underside of the crossbar, to put Newcastle 1-0 up in the 37th minute

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Anthony Gordon then doubled the Magpies’ lead in the second-half, with Isak once again playing a crucial role.

The 25-year-old dropped deep to receive possession, before bursting into the penalty area and digging out a shot after a neat pick-out from Jacob Murphy. His effort was parried clear by Raya, but Gordon was on hand to double Newcastle’s lead and put them in cruise control of the tie.

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Alexander Isak vs Arsenal

In addition to his crucial involvements in both Newcastle goals, Isak was a constant menace at the Emirates Stadium, with William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhes both struggling to deal with his intelligent movement and astute close control.

His immense performance was put into further context given Arsenal’s lacklustre finishing on the night.

The Gunners racked up over 3.0xG, but they registered just three shots on target in a poor display in front of goal.

Kai Havertz, Arsenal’s centre forward on the night, notably missed a guilt-edged headed chance - one that Isak would most likely have buried.

The Sweden international has been linked with a move to Arsenal for over a year, however the Gunners have been unable to finalise an agreement with Newcastle.

Current ETV

Alexander Isak

F (C)

Newcastle Utd.

Alexander Isak

F (C)

Newcastle Utd.

€67.9M

ETV Range

€50.9M - €84.9M

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The Magpies are determined to retain Isak as they look to establish themselves as Champions League regulars, but Isak’s display against Arsenal could tempt Mikel Arteta’s side into lodging a huge offer this year.

Arsenal haven’t won the Premier League title since 2004, while they have only picked up one major trophy since Arteta’s arrival in 2019.

A prolific centre forward is widely seen as the missing piece of the puzzle and Isak could well be the man to end the club’s trophy drought if Arsenal are willing to submit an offer that Newcastle can’t refuse.

If his performance on Tuesday night is anything to go by, Isak could prove to be a bargain at almost any price and he did his chances of securing a move to Arsenal no harm in the process.