Alexander Isak is reportedly on Arsenal’s radar, with discussions about his potential transfer heating up. The Swedish striker has reportedly approved the move, agreeing on personal terms.
However, the transfer fee remains a significant obstacle. Arsenal is prepared to offer approximately €95 million, but Newcastle United is holding out for €150 million.
Recent reports have shed light on the situation following a critical decision by Arsenal’s owner, Stan Kroenke. Although the club has admired Isak for a long time, securing his signature seems unlikely in the immediate future. Arsenal missed an opportunity to acquire him during his stint at Real Sociedad in La Liga, allowing Newcastle to sign him instead. Since then, Isak has flourished at St James’ Park.
To bring him to the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal would likely need to break the Premier League’s transfer fee record, casting doubts on their willingness to make such a hefty investment.
The addition of Isak could address Arsenal’s attacking struggles, as current forwards like Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus lack his exceptional goal-scoring prowess. However, the inflated asking price, now rumored to be £170 million, poses a challenge for Arsenal, especially under the Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR).
Sources suggest that Arsenal owner Kroenke is unlikely to pursue the deal due to financial concerns. Last summer, the club spent around £100 million on signings such as David Raya and Riccardo Calafiori, offset by £90 million from sales. Yet, Arsenal’s attack has remained inconsistent, leading to growing frustration.
The recent Carabao Cup semifinal loss to Newcastle highlighted their need for a clinical finisher, as Arsenal failed to convert opportunities while Isak capitalized on his lone chance to score.
While Arsenal is reportedly exploring options to bolster their offense, significant changes to their lineup this transfer window are deemed unlikely. Players such as Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko may be sold at the season’s end, while Thomas Partey, nearing the conclusion of his contract, could also depart.
Arsenal remains committed to adhering to Financial Fair Play regulations but is eager to secure a world-class striker to address their attacking deficiencies. If their current forwards continue to underperform, Arsenal may have no choice but to return to the market for reinforcements.
