Arsenal have made Alexander Isak their number one forward target
|Arsenal have set their sights on signing one of Newcastle United’s best players to bolster their attack.
The Gunners have had a disappointing start to the Premier League campaign. They have picked up just 19 points after 11 games played.
The club are already nine points adrift of leaders Liverpool and face a huge challenge to stay in the title race after the international break.
Arsenal’s failure to sign a marquee striker last summer has proved a costly mistake and they are likely to look for a solution next year.
Journalist Con Harrison now claims that the Gunners have made Alexander Isak their number one forward target amid his contract stand-off.
Newcastle are struggling to agree fresh terms with the Swede, who is concerned over missing out on a possible Champions League spot.
Arsenal have followed Isak’s progress from his time in Spain. His adaptation in the Premier League has made him the top forward target for manager Mikel Arteta.
Isak could cost more than £100m next summer
The 25-year-old has had short-term injury concerns during his time at Newcastle, but he has still proved to be a fantastic purchase from Real Sociedad.
Isak netted 25 goals from 40 appearances last season with 21 of those coming in the Premier League.
The Swede has five goals from 11 games this campaign. He has scored in his last four appearances.
The former Sociedad striker has all the traits to suit Arteta’s playing style at Arsenal. He has the ability to drop into deep attacking positions to link up play.
Isak has impressed with his direct dribbling. He has also improved his aerial presence and hold-up play in the box. He is just in the peak of his career and could get better.
As things stand, the Magpies have failed to convince Isak over a renewal, but the striker will still have two more years left on his contract when the season ends.
Taking this into regard, Newcastle could easily hold out for over £100 million if Isak has another good season and ends up with 25 to 30 goals to his name.
This should not derail the Gunners pursuit as Arteta should be backed with a huge transfer kitty next summer. A mid-season transfer is unlikely on the cards.
Isak has the potential to be world-class, as per Henrik Larsson. He could make the next step in his career with the Gunners, who are yearning for a marquee striker.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com