Paul Merson, a former Arsenal player and two-time league title winner, has urged Arsenal to “break the bank” for Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak, even suggesting a transfer fee of £150 million. This call to action comes in the wake of a significant injury to Arsenal’s star player, Bukayo Saka, who is expected to be sidelined for over two months following hamstring surgery. Merson believes that acquiring Isak is crucial for Arsenal to maintain their momentum and challenge for the Premier League title. He argues that the Swedish striker, who has scored 12 goals in his last 13 appearances, possesses the necessary qualities to elevate Arsenal’s performance to the next level. Merson’s conviction in Isak’s abilities is so strong that he even rates the 25-year-old striker higher than Manchester City’s prolific goalscorer, Erling Haaland. He attributes this preference to Isak’s playing style, which he perceives as a better fit for Arsenal’s tactical approach.
Merson acknowledges the potential financial strain of such a transfer, given Newcastle United’s reported valuation of Isak at £150 million. However, he emphasizes the long-term benefits and considers the acquisition a “massive coup” for Arsenal, both for the current season and beyond. He sees Isak as a crucial piece of the puzzle for Arsenal’s future success, emphasizing the need to secure a player of his caliber. While acknowledging Gabriel Jesus’s recent return to form, with six goals in his last four appearances, Merson believes that securing Isak would provide further depth and firepower to Arsenal’s attack.
Merson’s endorsement of Isak highlights the significant impact of Bukayo Saka’s injury on Arsenal’s attacking prowess. Saka’s absence leaves a void in the team’s creative and goalscoring capabilities, and Merson believes Isak is the ideal candidate to fill that gap. He envisions Isak seamlessly integrating into Arsenal’s playing style and contributing significantly to their goal-scoring output. He specifically contrasts Isak’s playing style with that of Haaland, suggesting that Isak’s attributes are more suited to Arsenal’s tactical approach. This nuanced perspective underscores Merson’s belief that Isak is the perfect fit for Arsenal.
Newcastle United, who signed Isak from Real Sociedad in August 2022 for £63 million, are understandably reluctant to part with their prized asset. Manager Eddie Howe hopes that the prospect of European football next season will persuade Isak to stay at St. James’ Park. This adds another layer of complexity to Arsenal’s potential pursuit of the Swedish striker. Negotiating with Newcastle, who are also vying for a top-four finish, could prove challenging. The added dynamic of the upcoming Carabao Cup semi-final clash between the two teams further intensifies the situation.
Despite the obstacles, Merson’s unwavering conviction in Isak’s potential impact on Arsenal underscores the importance of the January transfer window for the Gunners. Arteta’s acknowledgement that the club might reinforce their squad this month reflects the club’s awareness of the need to bolster their attacking options. The injury to Saka has exposed a vulnerability in Arsenal’s squad, and Merson’s advocacy for Isak suggests a sense of urgency within the club to address this issue. The potential signing of Isak could be a defining moment in Arsenal’s season, potentially influencing their pursuit of the Premier League title.
Merson’s comments also shed light on the dynamics within Arsenal’s current attacking line-up. He praises Gabriel Jesus’s recent resurgence and his more goal-oriented approach. He also acknowledges Kai Havertz’s potential contribution to the attack, suggesting that Havertz will likely be deployed in midfield upon his return from illness. These observations underscore the fluidity of Arsenal’s attacking options and the potential for tactical adjustments depending on the availability of key players. The potential addition of Isak would further enhance this flexibility and provide Arteta with a wider range of options in the attacking third.
