My view on Arsenal’s summer transfer window has reached something of a dramatic change in the past couple of weeks. In 2023, the plan for the Gunners was very clear when it came to their priority target with Declan Rice tracked, negotiated for and signed after what felt like an agonising period of time.
What Rice added, alongside a humungous £105million investment, was a guarantee. A player who had Premier League experience with hundreds of matches played, an elite-level quality set and a seamless fit into Mikel Arteta’s current plans.
Fast forward to 2024 and for some time, frankly, I didn’t see there being something of a ‘Declan Rice type’ signing for the Gunners. There are five key areas where strengthening will be needed: goalkeeper (backup to David Raya) defender, central midfield (either a No.6 or No.8 depending on the market) a wide player to compete and offer rotation with Bukayo Saka and a centre-forward option.
That player is Alexander Isak. The Swede has risen to become one of the most potent and predatory centre-forwards in the league with serious investment by Newcastle now looking as much of a bargain as the big fee the Gunners paid West Ham for Rice.
In simple terms: if you deliver, the price tag becomes almost irrelevant. That is exactly what Isak has done. 20 Premier League goals in 27 games with a further four across other competitions sees only Erling Haaland and Cole Palmer have more goals in the English top flight.
What else makes Isak such a desirable option is his versatility. The form of Havertz need not be interrupted as Isak can play in the wide area too and could feature alongside the German, playing off the former Chelsea man’s solid link-up play. Isak has the speed and power but also the aerial presence that Arteta is looking for.
Newcastle will categorically not want to lose Isak this summer and will do everything to hold on to him. Suggestions that the Magpies need money are often batted away as an overestimation of their Profit and Sustainability concerns.
However, Arsenal have several things going their way. Champions League football, a promise of a challenge for the elite trophies, a guarantee of starts at the highest level and the re-establishment of the Real Sociedad dream partnership with a now-world-class Martin Odegaard.
Isak is the man. Isak is the dream. Should Arsenal succeed in a move for the forward, their hopes of silverware next season will be dramatically improved.
