Mikel Arteta has not been afraid to speak about Arsenal’s lack of clinical edge in front of goal, especially from his strikers. In fact, the Spaniard openly admitted in April the Gunners do not have a prolific frontman in the ranks.
When asked about a lack of returns from strikers in front of goal following the Champions League defeat to Bayern Munich, Arteta said: “We have been the team that has scored more goals in the Premier League. From everywhere, because of the reality is we don’t have a striker that is going to score 35 or 40 goals.
So we have to live with that, we have many other qualities. Today is a day to stick behind the players, because they have given us so much and have taken us on this journey.”
Given Arteta’s comments and the form of Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah throughout the 2023/24 campaign, there is an acceptance amongst fans that the club need to sign a clinical striker this summer. football.london understands Arsenal are in the market for a dynamic profile of centre forward, although a centre midfield signing remains the priority.
Alexander Isak is admired by Arteta and is seen as the dream target this summer, although Newcastle are likely to ask for more than £100million for the Swedish forward. It’s not clear if the Gunners have the budget to push ahead with such a deal but Stan Kroenke has given Edu money to spend.
It makes it interesting then that Chelsea have entered the race to sign Isak. It emerged on Wednesday that the Blues have spoken with Newcastle about the 24-year-old, with the Daily Mail reporting they may have to pay more than £115million to bring the striker to Stamford Bridge.
Should Isak move to Chelsea, it would be a big blow to Arsenal given their own interest in the forward. At 24, the Premier League marksman still has plenty more years ahead of him and his ability to play as a No.9 or on the left wing would be appealing to Arteta.
Given this, should Arsenal be able to finance a move for Isak, they still could look to do a deal. They still have time to hijack Chelsea’s move given talks have only just started and the Gunners have the appeal of Champions League football as well as a potential third successive title challenge.
It remains to be seen if Isak will even leave St. James’ Park, however. “I’m really, really happy at Newcastle,” Isak told Fotbollskanale earlier this month. “I had the best season of my career. You can’t underestimate that. I love everything about the club, the fans, the city.
“I don’t really have any thoughts of moving or anything like that. I’m having a great time and I’m very happy with my life. It’s 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.”
Arsenal kick off their season at home to Wolves on August 17 while Newcastle entertain Southampton. Chelsea welcome Manchester City to Stamford Bridge the following day and it’s possible Isak lines up for any one of the three aforementioned home teams that weekend.
