Alexander Isak ‘can only go to Arsenal in the whole world’ – update live on air
Arsenal fans have been given an “interesting” verdict on their pursuit of Newcastle striker Alexander Isak, by a Sky Sports pundit.
The Gunners were beaten 2-0 by Newcastle on 5 February in the Carabao Cup, with an aggregate score of 4-0.
Isak caused early problems for Arsenal, scoring after just seven minutes, but the goal was ruled offside. However, he showed his quality just minutes later when his shot rebounded off the post, falling into Jacob Murphy’s path to make it 1-0.
Anthony Gordon then scored in the second-half, sending Eddie Howe’s side through to the final.
With Isak being Arsenal’s summer priority target, Paul Merson shared his thoughts on Sky Sports News and suggested the Emirates was the only realistic exit route from St. James’ Park for the Swede.
He said: “On the way in, I was thinking, where’s he gonna go? Where can he go?
“He’s not going Man City. He’s not going to go Man United. I don’t know if Man United got any money to buy anybody anyway.
“He’s not going to go Tottenham. I don’t think he’ll go Villa. He can only go to Arsenal in the whole world, really, unless it’s Real Madrid and they got [Kylian] Mbappe anyway.
“So for me, it’s only Arsenal where he can go and then it’ll be up to him, does he want to go and play for Arsenal and might win something? Or stay at Newcastle and might win something.
“So it’d be an interesting one, but it all depends on the fair play rule as well. I don’t know what Newcastle have to do.”
Newcastle must do all they can to retain talisman Alexander Isak
Football Insider Verdict
The Magpies are ready to offer Isak the largest contract in the club’s history as he looks set to have his most prolific goal-scoring season to date.
With the Gunners constantly linked to Howe’s talisman, Newcastle’s efforts to extend his contract would significantly impact their transfer plans.
While Merson may be correct that Isak’s options are limited, it doesn’t mean Newcastle can’t persuade him to remain at the club.
Mikel Arteta is under pressure to deliver at Arsenal
Mikel Arteta‘s side are now out of both domestic cups, and their chances of securing a Premier League title appear increasingly slim. They’re six points behind league leaders Liverpool who have a game in hand.
Arsenal fans had urged the club to sign an attacker following Gabriel Jesus’s injury, but no move was made.
Although Isak remains a potential summer target, the Gunners are facing immediate concerns in their attacking options, with Arsenal supporters expressing dissatisfaction over Gabriel Martinelli’s performances and Kai Havertz being the only fit striker available at the club.