Arsenal could face HUGE twist in transfer battle for Isak alternative

Suraj Radia
Suraj Radia
  • 27 Feb 2025 14:35 CST
  • 3 min read
Alexander Isak, Arsenal, Liverpool
© IMAGO

Arsenal are reportedly considering Samu Aghehowa as a potential alternative signing to Alexander Isak this summer but a bizarre twist could see the Gunners miss out on the prolific striker.

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Aghehowa only joined Porto in the summer but the 20-year-old has had an electric start to life in Portugal with 13 goals in 19 league appearances as well as six in nine Europa League matches including a stunner against Roma last week.

EXCLUSIVE: Arsenal to launch fresh Watkins bid in thrilling strike force overhaul

Having seen a transfer to Chelsea fall through last summer, Aghehowa has seen numerous Premier League sides take interest including the Blues, who appear to be harbouring regret over their decision last year.

Aston Villa will also reportedly battle Chelsea and Arsenal for Aghehowa’s signature, however CaughtOffside report that Newcastle also have the Spaniard on their shortlist if they sell Isak this summer.

STATS
Player image Samu Aghehowa
Samu Aghehowa

F (C)

Porto logo

Porto

Samu Aghehowa
Samu Aghehowa

F (C)

Porto

Porto

All Tournaments

2024/25

  • 31

    Games

  • 19

    Goals

  • 3

    Assists

Isak’s 19 Premier League goals this season have seen him coveted by numerous teams including Arsenal and Liverpool but the Gunners are less likely to be able to afford his asking price, rumoured to be in excess of €150 million.

Liverpool are believed to be ready to step up their interest in Isak and, should a move materialise, Arsenal could see their alternative in Aghehowa targeted by the Magpies, leaving Mikel Arteta’s side scrambling for yet another option in attack.

Samu Aghehowa has been prolific for Porto this season.
© IMAGO - Samu Aghehowa has been prolific for Porto this season.

Newcastle could spoil Arsenal summer with striker pursuit

Arsenal are determined to sign a striker this summer after failing to bring in a forward in multiple transfer windows, leading to an injury crisis up front for Arteta in recent weeks.

Isak is thought to be Arsenal’s dream target but the 25-year-old’s price makes him an unrealistic option, leading to players such as Aghehowa and Viktor Gyokeres being considered as alternatives.

Current ETV
Player image Alexander Isak
Alexander Isak

F (C)

Newcastle Utd. logo

Newcastle Utd.

Alexander Isak
Alexander Isak

F (C)

Newcastle Utd.

Newcastle Utd.

€76.7M

ETV Range

€69M - €84.3M

Arsenal are still thought to favour a move for Benjamin Sesko too but the RB Leipzig striker is also wanted by numerous other sides and could command a fee of more than €70m.

Sesko has also been tracked by Newcastle and Eddie Howe’s side could have a financial edge over Arsenal in any of their pursuits if they do receive a record windfall from the sale of Isak, although their focus is on keeping hold of their talisman this summer.