Alexander Isak sends perfect Arsenal transfer message that answers Mikel Arteta wish
Alexander Isak has once again showcased what he could bring to Arsenal if Mikel Arteta and Edu push to sign him from Newcastle. Interest in the Sweden international has been present for a number of years, though the Gunners have been put off by his significant asking price.
Benjamin Sesko of RB Leipzig and Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres have been other strikers linked to making the move to Emirates Stadium, though Isak is likely the priority. Chelsea had also made contact with Newcastle to understand what it would take to sign Isak, though their approaches were rebuffed.
Instead, Arsenal’s focus was on strengthening defensively, with the permanent signing of David Raya completed. Riccardo Calafiori and Mikel Merino, two players that significantly impressed at Euro 2024, were also acquired for just under a combined £75million.
Raheem Sterling was also signed in the final hours of deadline day on a season-long loan from Chelsea. Aaron Ramsdale, Eddie Nketiah and Emile Smith Rowe have also sealed departures to help Arsenal raise a very similar amount to what they spent in player sales.
Bringing in a striker was always unlikely this past summer, despite the links, with football.london reporting at the start of the window the club’s transfer strategy would be tailored to raising the floor of the side rather than the ceiling.
However, making a marquee striker transfer next summer is a real possibility, with Isak perhaps proving it should be him. In the Magpies’ 2-1 win over Tottenham this past Sunday, the 24-year-old barely touched the ball, but he was in the right place at the right time to score the winner, tapping home Jacob Murphy’s cross.
At the end of the day, a striker’s primary job is to score goals and important ones at that, and that is exactly what Isak did over the weekend. Manchester City’s Erling Haaland is very similar in that regard, with the Norway international scoring his second consecutive hat-trick against West Ham over the weekend from three shots.
Kai Havertz has been very good in the false nine role, but he often needs a number of opportunities at goal before finding the back of the net. Isak, on the other hand, is scarily clinical and could be the final big transfer Arsenal need to make before usurping Manchester City at the top of the Premier League.
