Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta would love to sign one of the Newcastle United’s best players, according to The Athletic.
The Gunners were widely tipped to sign a marquee striker last summer. They were unable to strike a transfer agreement for RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, who was the top target.
Alexander Isak has since emerged as the number one priority. The Athletic claim that the Magpies star is precisely the type of forward manager Mikel Arteta ‘would love to add’ to his attack.
The Swedish international is ‘athletic, intelligent, versatile and Premier League-ready’, but there is an ‘obvious obstacle’ with the cost. Newcastle are desperate to keep hold of him.
Arsenal face a tough task to sign Isak
Isak has been a revelation since his move to Tyneside from Real Sociedad. The 25-year-old was brilliant last season, bagging 25 goals in 40 appearances across all competitions.
The Swede was hampered by a broken toe earlier this campaign, but he has still impressed with five goals from 12 outings. This includes four in his last five appearances.
Isak would be an ideal fit to lead the line for the Gunners. Apart from his goalscoring, he has the ability to link up play and dribble his way past opponents with relative ease.
He has also improved with his aerial presence and recently scored against Arsenal with a header in the box. Isak has all the traits to become the perfect marksman for the Gunners.
However, the big stumbling block could be the asking price. Isak will still have three more years left on his Magpies contract next summer, and they are in a strong position to negotiate.
Isak could reportedly cost well over £100 million next summer, but the major question remains whether the Magpies would consider his sale.
They could keep him for another 12 months before contemplating his departure. The situation could change if a transfer request is submitted.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com.
