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Arsenal have advantage over Barcelona in Alexander Isak pursuit

Arsenal interested in signing Real Socieda's Alexander Isak
Arsenal interested in signing Real Socieda's Alexander Isak

Arsenal have a clear advantage over Barcelona in the pursuit of Real Sociedad striker Alexander Isak, Spanish outlet El Nacional claims.

The Gunners have been heavily linked with the Sweden international with technical director Edu Gaspar being a huge admirer of his qualities.

Isak recently signed a new Sociedad deal with a €90 million (£75.6m) release clause, but there is still speculation that he could leave the club soon.

Alongside the Gunners, Barcelona are also interested in the player, but it is claimed that Sociedad have no desire to sell him to a league rival.

The Catalan giants are in no position to trigger the buy-out clause. The Gunners, on the other hand, are said to have funds to seal the deal.

Our view:

The Gunners are currently loaded with striking options in the squad, but the scenario could completely change soon.

Eddie Nketiah and Alexandre Lacazette have entered the final six months of their respective contracts. The former could be sold during the ongoing transfer window.

Lacazette has been hugely instrumental up front in recent weeks, but he still sees his future away from the club as they are reluctant to hand him a long-term deal.

Meanwhile, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s future also remains in doubt. He has been dropped for the past six games after his second disciplinary breach of the season.

The former club captain is currently with Gabon ahead of the African Cup of Nations, but it has been reported that a winter departure can’t be completely ruled out.

This could see the Gunners enter the transfer market for a new striker this month, but it would be a huge statement if they spend a significant fee to land Isak.

Isak joined Sociedad from Borussia Dortmund a couple of years ago, and he has since developed splendidly with 40 goals and seven assists from 110 games.

The 21-year-old has also emerged as a vital player for Sweden and showed his class at the Euros with his hold-up play and excellent dribbling from deeper positions.

The youngster has also impressed from dead-ball situations, and does not shy away from taking regular shots. His aerial presence in the box is another plus.

Isak has played as the main striker throughout his career, but he is someone who prefers to do the hard yards by tracking back to link up with his teammates.

He would be a superb signing for the Gunners, but a January deal may largely depend on Aubameyang’s future.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com

Read: Takehiro Tomiyasu proves to be Mikel Arteta’s best signing yet.

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