Arsenal 'determined' to 'get big-money striker signing done'

Arsenal are "determined" to land a "big-money" deal to sign Newcastle star Alexander Isak amid growing frustrations about their attacking options.

This is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that some behind-the-scenes at the Emirates view an attacking signing as "vital".

However, any deal for Isak is not expected to take place this month given his importance to Newcastle and the huge expense involved in pulling off a move of this size.

This comes after Football Insider revealed on 5 January that the 25-year-old is the Gunners' "top priority" ahead of the summer transfer window.

Arsenal's interest has lingered since missing out when the striker made the move to St James' Park from Real Sociedad in 2022.

Since joining Eddie Howe's side, Isak has an outstanding record in front of goal, scoring 50 goals and providing nine assists in 89 appearances.

So far this season, he has found the net 15 times and provided four assists in 22 games across all competitions, including in the Carabao Cup semi-final clash v Arsenal on 7 January.

Arsenal determined to sign Alexander Isak after new twist

Brown previously labelled Isak "one of the best in the world" when discussing a potential move to the Emirates in November amid suggestions the striker could push for a move.

Now, the former scout who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, has insisted that the Gunners will push hard to reach an agreement come the summer.

"I think he's the best centre-forward in the country all-round," he told Football Insider.

"He's got all the qualities of a world-class striker and I could see him playing well in that Arsenal team.

"There's no doubt Arsenal need to improve their forwards, and from what I've heard, there are people at the club that think a new attacker will be vital.

"Isak is their first-choice striker because of all the reasons we've spoken about before, but whether they can get a deal over the line is a different question.

"Newcastle will obviously be reluctant to let him go, but Arsenal will push to bring him in.

"If they want to sign Isak, I think they'll have to wait until the summer, because there will be a lot of money involved and you don't often see that in January.

"But they're determined to get it done because he would improve their attacking options, no doubt."

In other news, Ethan Nwaneri could agree a new contract "within weeks".

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