Arsenal were reportedly interested in signing a world-class striker from a Premier League rival, and now an update has emerged.
Mikel Arteta’s side have endured a tough start to the season after being hit by several injury blows, with captain Martin Odegaard having been sidelined since early September.
To add rub salt in their wounds, red cards received by Declan Rice, Leandro Trossard, and William Saliba further depleted Arteta’s options in recent weeks, but so far, the north London outfit have coped well given the challenging circumstances – they sit third in the league, trailing leaders Manchester City by five points (before kick-off in today’s fixture against Newcastle).
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Despite their healthy league position, one criticism thrown at Arsenal has been their lack of cutting-edge in the attacking areas.
Unlike their rivals Manchester City and Liverpool, who boast clinical goal scorers Erling Haaland and Mohamed Salah, the Gunners’ goals are spread throughout the side with Kai Havertz (four goals), Saka (three), with Gabriel, Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli (all with two goals) chipping in with strikes.
But they may still look to bring a forward if the right deal can be struck.
The Gunners were linked with the likes of RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko and Newcastle United forward Alexander Isak in the summer transfer window, but both players remain at their respective clubs. Ironically the latter scored an impressive header against Arsenal on Saturday afternoon after latching onto Anthony Gordon's pinpoint cross.
Isak, 25, is under contract at the Magpies until 2028, but he is concerned about the direction the club are heading in, according to Football Insider.
The report also suggests that talks are ongoing between the Swedish international’s representatives and the club regarding a potential new deal on Tyneside.
The former Real Sociedad marksman has struggled with injuries so far this term, scoring just twice in eight appearances, but he will be hoping to replicate his form from last season - which saw him net 21 times in the Premier League.
The forward previously addressed his situation, insisting he was “happy” at Newcastle in July 2024.
“I had my best season of my career, [in 2023-24],” Isak told Swedish outlet Fotbollskanalen.
“You can’t underestimate that. I love everything about the club, the fans, the city,” he said.
“I don’t really have any toughts of moving [club] or anything like that. I’m having a great time, and I’m very happy with my life.
“It’s [a transfer] not something I speculate about. Within the team or the club, there has been no talk or drama around it. I have not received any information from the club that they would have to sell me.”
Topics: Arsenal, Premier League, Transfer News, Mikel Arteta, Alexander Isak, Newcastle United
Luke Davies