Pundit Paul Merson is of the opinion that Arsenal will win the league if they sign Alexander Isak from Newcastle United this summer. The Gunners will likely deploy Kai Havertz, who isn’t an out-and-out number nine in the striker’s role at the start of the new season.
Meanwhile, their second choice in this area would be Gabriel Jesus, who didn’t quite fire last year, bagging four league goals in 27 appearances. Therefore, Merson claims that the north Londoners need an upgrade in the role while stating that Isak would be the ideal choice.
He wrote in his column for Sky Sports (via The Boot Room):
“Newcastle have done well to keep Alexander Isak and Bruno Guimaraes, at the moment. If I was a Chelsea or an Arsenal, I’d be breaking the bank for Isak. If Chelsea got Isak, they’d be a certainty for a top-four finish. If Arsenal got him, they’d win the league.”
Isak has been prolific in front of goal for the Magpies of late, bagging 21 strikes in 30 English top-flight matches last season. If he is to move this summer, Isak won’t be a cheap acquisition, with four years left on his contract at St. James’ Park.
Of course, a move to the Emirates would be tempting, with reports also claiming that the Gunners are interested in the Sweden international. Mikel Arteta’s team are poised to challenge for the Premier League title this year after finishing second in the 2023/24 campaign. They would also be offering the striker Champions League football.
Newcastle United are firm about Alexander Isak’s future, amid Arsenal interest – Reports
Newcastle United have reportedly informed Arsenal that their striker Alexander Isak is not for sale this summer. This is according to The Independent, who claim that the Gunners had made the former Borussia Dortmund attacker their number one target in the ongoing transfer window (via Metro).
With the message clear from St. James’ Park, the north London outfit’s sporting director, Edu, has seemingly moved on from Isak to explore other alternatives. The Gunners have been linked with several strikers this summer, including the likes of Victor Osimhen, Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres, and Ivan Toney, among others.
However, it looks like Arsenal will play their first match of the Premier League season against Wolves on Saturday (August 17) with Kai Havertz leading the line. Playing in this position towards the back end of last season, the Germany international bagged 13 goals in 37 league appearances.
