Mikel Arteta has turned his attention away from buying an outright No.9 after Arsenal’s failure to sign Alexander Isak.
The Gunners are in the market for a proven goalscorer this summer to give them the edge over Manchester City in the Premier League title race this season. But manager Arteta has been dealt blows in signing either of his two preferred options – RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko and Newcastle’s Isak.
Sesko – rated highly for his pace, strength and eye for goal – decided earlier this summer to snub his interest from north London by penning a new contract with the Bundesliga club. Newcastle have since made it clear that Isak, who netted 21 goals in the league alone last season, won’t be sold this summer.
Aside from the Swede’s obvious importance, Newcastle are reluctant to let Isak join Arsenal specifically. That is due to the latter’s attitude towards state-owned clubs at boardroom level.
Arsenal executives in recent times have been among the most active within the Premier League in aiming to restrict the potential financial power of Saudi Arabian-owned Newcastle and Abu Dhabi-owned Manchester City.
The latest Isak blow provides a problem for Arteta, with the Spaniard only wanting a rare mould of striker who possesses very specific traits. As reported by The Independent, he will now turn his attention to an alternative position – the wide forward berth.
