Arsenal could complete ‘perfect’ Isak signing after £75m update from Spain – pundit
Arsenal could swoop for Alexander Isak this month if they can get Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang off the wage bill, according to Noel Whelan.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted a deal for the 22-year-old could make “perfect sense” as Aubameyang’s problems continue.
According to El Nacional (2 January), Isak “is loved” by Arsenal with the north London club “close” to signing the Sweden international – whose release clause stands at around £75million.
Speaking to the Independent in November 2021, the Real Sociedad striker said it “would be nice to play in England” as he seeks to become “the best version” of himself.
Whelan suggested a deal could hinge on the potential exit of Aubameyang.
The striker was stripped of the Arsenal captaincy following discipline issues last month.
“That deal could depend on getting Aubameyang out the door this month and freeing up some extra money,” Whelan told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“They’ve got to be very careful of how much they’re going to spend in January. It’s a difficult window and a lot of clubs end up paying over the odds.
“You wouldn’t want to bring in a striker on a lot of money with Aubameyang still at the club. If he remains at the club, I can’t see them bringing in another forward this month.
“If they can get his wage out of the club, a deal for someone like Isak would make perfect sense.
“Getting Aubameyang would be a financial benefit, but also a boost for that dressing room.”
Aubameyang hasn’t played for Arsenal since 6 December.
31-cap Sweden star Isak has scored seven goals in 22 games for Real Sociedad this term.
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