Rio Ferdinand Names The 'Talented' Striker Arsenal Should Sign Amid Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang Fallout

Rio Ferdinand has urged Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta to make a stunning swoop for Real Sociedad striker Alexander Isak amid the fallout surrounding Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

Aubameyang was stripped of the captain’s armband at Arsenal in December 2021 due to a disciplinary breach.

The 32-year-old Gunners striker’s future in north London has been plunged into doubt and Aubameyang has been subject to transfer interest from Newcastle and Barcelona.

Arteta also faces the prospect of losing striking options Eddie Nketiah and Alexandre Lacazette, with both Arsenal players out of contract in the summer.

Isak has seen his stock value soar in the summer of 2021 after an impressive campaign with Sweden at Euro 2020.

The 22-year-old Swedish striker is under contract with Sociedad until 2026, but he is believed to have an £80m release clause in his current deal.

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Isak, who has scored seven times in 22 appearances for Sociedad this season, has been linked with Liverpool, Arsenal and Juventus.

Manchester United legend Ferdinand was captivated by Isak’s time with Sweden at last summer’s Euro 2020 and hailed him as a “young talented player.”

Speaking on Rio Ferdinand Presents FIVE, he said: “He will be a good signing.

“Another young talented player. He has done really well in the Euros for Sweden, I thought. He is a talented player, man.”

According to reports, Arsenal are considered the frontrunners to land Isak and are potentially ‘close’ to securing a deal for the Sweden international.

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Isak has admitted that he would be keen to play in the Premier League in the future, but he insisted that he is “very happy” with his current situation at Sociedad.

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“I’m in a good place at the moment, I’m very happy, but one day it would be nice to play in England as well,” he told The Independent last November.

“They have six or seven of the biggest clubs in the world, it’s a very high level, and of course one day it would be an alternative.

“Every player wants to be the best version of themselves and reach the highest possible level.

“I have expectations for myself that I’m trying to fulfil, so we’ll see where the journey takes me in future.”