During the Rice chase, Arsenal faced three significant challenges: his high price tag, competition from other top clubs, and the player’s preferences.
Arsenal tackled this intelligently, ensuring Rice was eager to join before committing to a hefty fee. Unlike other suitors like Manchester City, the Gunners didn’t simply throw money around—they secured Rice’s “blessings” first.
So why (or how) did Rice choose Arsenal? According to The Sun, Arteta and Sporting Director Edu met with him, during which Arteta reportedly convinced Rice with one question: “The train is leaving—are you getting on board?” That sentiment made Rice realise it was now or never to join Arsenal’s ambitious project.
Although (since then) the Gunners are yet to clinch Premier League glory, they’ve been making strides. They remain strong contenders in the league and have reached the Champions League quarter-finals two years running, hoping to go even further this time.
With that said, to go to the next level, Arsenal need to address their attack and secure a clinical striker, with Isak fitting that mould perfectly.
However, three obstacles stand in the way of signing Isak: Newcastle’s likely steep asking price, rival suitors, and the player’s preferences. Arteta should repeat the Rice transfer trick. He needs to taste how ambitious Isak is as he did with Rice. Ask him, “The train is leaving – are you getting on board?”
It will be interesting to see if Isak snubs Arsenal. Would he snub a chance to join Arteta’s project and lead its final phase?
If Isak snubs Arsenal, it would be a missed opportunity for both parties. But if he opts for an Emirates switch, Arsenal must be prepared to break the bank, as this could prove to be a defining transfer. Like Pep Guardiola said after missing out on Rice: “Many players we wanted didn’t decide to join us. He’s not the first one. I have a long list… Good luck!”
Landing Isak would be real coup.. What’re your thoughts Gooners?
Michelle M
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What a silly comment. Are you on board? It’s been two years since Rice joined and Arsenal haven’t improved. Liverpool have improved, Forest, Chelsea, Newcastle United have all improved, except Arsenal.
It was part of what worked and I’m glad it did. Gee, would LP, Forest, Chelsea, Newcastle United just to name a few want to have Declan Rice?
I disagree that Arsenal didn’t improve after signing Rice. In his debut season,and largely without Partey,Arsenal broke many club records and finished the season with 89 points, which is one of the best tallies in recent times. That was an improvement on the previous season.
This season is different because it has been marred by injuries to key players throughout the season,not to mention the red cards. Just the same way Rice elevated our midfield,a signing like Isak would elevate our attack, and possibly get us over the line.
Delusion continues, please give it a rest .
Newcastle united want a 120M for Isak so as to consider him leaving which is a huge amount arsenal wouldn’t be paying , at 80M or less arsenal would be getting any of Osimhem,Sesko or Gyokeres which will be attainable for arsenal considering more new signings are needed.
“I’m playing for a better manager “