Alexander Isak tops Arteta’s three-man summer shopping list

Carlo Garganese

• Updated: 9 Feb 2025 02:44 CST
• 3 min read

Mikel Arteta has three names at the top of his attacker summer shortlist but none of them will be easy to buy.

That is according to Arsenal transfer journalist Charles Watts, who says that Alexander Isak is Arteta’s ideal signing this summer from Newcastle.

Watts acknowledges, though, that Isak will be extremely hard to buy given how expensive he will be, making Arteta’s alternative striker target Benjamin Sesko from Lepizig much more obtainable.

READ MORE: Premier League January transfers 2025: All the Done Deals

Watts adds that Nico Williams is also on Arteta’s summer shortlist but that the Athletic Bilbao winger also has lots of other interested parties given his €58 million release clause.

What did Watts say?

“The summer window has long been Arsenal’s priority when it comes to adding to the squad,” Watts said.

“They have their long-term targets and I’m sure they will try and get them. Whether they can do that, however, remains to be seen.

“Alexander Isak may well be first choice in Mikel Arteta’s mind. But that would be an incredibly difficult deal to get done given the sort of fee it would take to tempt Newcastle into doing business.

“Benjamin Sesko – another long-term target – is far more gettable and there is a relationship already there, with the player and his representatives and with RB Leipzig as well.

READ MORE: Saudi Pro League January transfers 2025: All the Done Deals

“But there will be rival interest in the Slovenia international. So it’s not a foregone conclusion that Arsenal will land him if they do firm up their interest once again.

“The same could be said for Nico Williams, who is another player Arteta would love to sign, but one who several clubs will be in the mix for come the summer.

“So whilst I do believe it will be a big summer for Arsenal in the transfer market and that the club will look to be aggressive, it will not be easy given the competition they will face for their top targets.”

Arsenal kept their powder dry during the January transfer window despite the need for a natural number nine.

The Gunners had been expected to sign a striker after Gabriel Jesus tore his ACL.

But Arsenal decided to not spend, meaning Kai Havertz will continue as a striker until the end of the season.