On Tuesday, Liverpool reportedly threatened to enter the race for Arsenal’s dream signing, Alexander Isak.
While the Gunners have focused their striker shortlist on Benjamin Šeško and Viktor Gyökeres, Isak has long stood apart as a special case. If attainable, he would have been their clear priority.
Arsenal’s long-term admiration for Isak
Arsenal have monitored the Swedish international since his time at Real Sociedad. In 2022, they failed to hijack his move to Newcastle United, where he has since flourished.
Isak has scored 62 goals in 109 league appearances for the Magpies and remains a fan favourite target among many Arsenal supporters. For most, the belief persists that if an opportunity ever arose, the Gunners would make a serious move.
Although Newcastle are not keen to let their star forward leave, it was believed a substantial offer could shift their stance. And with Newcastle now pushing hard to sign Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt, some believe they may be open to bids for Isak – a situation Liverpool appear ready to exploit.
Arsenal’s view on Liverpool interest and the wider striker plan
Even though Arsenal are not in a position to move for Isak this summer, the question remains: how do they perceive the opportunity?
According to the Evening Standard, the Gunners are quietly hoping Newcastle resist a sale, even if Liverpool submit an offer worth more than £120 million. The report adds that Arsenal were aware they could have waited, consolidated funds, and attempted a marquee move for Isak. But such a move would have been a gamble.
Instead, Arsenal’s strategy has been to spread their budget across multiple positions and avoid a repeat of last summer’s disappointment, where the club missed out on both a top winger and a goalkeeper, resorting to late fallback signings.
Missing out on Isak would certainly be frustrating, but Arsenal remain confident in their summer business. They believe Viktor Gyökeres will deliver the goals they need.
Gunners upbeat ahead of pre-season
Internally, Arsenal believe they have handled this summer well and remain on course to complete all six planned signings in time for the Asian pre-season tour.
Martin Zubimendi, Christian Nørgaard and Noni Madueke have already joined the squad. Gyökeres and Cristhian Mosquera are expected next, while speculation around Eberechi Eze continues.
It has been a strong window so far. Whatever happens with Isak, Arsenal are focused, organised and confident in the direction they are heading.
Would you have rather waited to go all in for Isak, Gooners? Or are Arsenal right to spread the budget?
Daniel O
__________________________________________________________________________________________
ADMIN COMMENT
So here are some simple rules which I must insist commenters follow….
You agree not to give any personal abuse to other Arsenal fans. Everyone is allowed to hold their own opinions even if you disagree with them. It COSTS NOTHING TO BE POLITE TO OTHER ARSENAL FANS.
CALLING ALL ARSENAL FANS! Anyone who would like to contribute an Article or Video opinion piece on JustArsenal, please contact us through this link…
Newcastle wants Ekitike or Wissa in order to replace Calum Wilson who has left.
Wait for Isak.
Gyökeres isnt the answer. Isnt good enough and no sale value.
Get Rodrygo and or Eze is good enough! Goals well come
Isak this, Isak that for years now. Very good player but it’s not like he’s god’s gift to football. I might have some interest if a club puts in a bid for him after he’s been put on the market.
Isak is the market at all. His club will not sell him no matter what you offer in this window. Let’s concentrate on the ones we’re able to get.
Quite right. There’s not one iota of evidence that Newcastle have ever thought of selling him, no more than Arsenal have thought of selling, say, Saka.
What do we think the reaction would be if it was actually Saka who was the focus of these stories rather that Isak? “It’s got to be true” or “What a load of nonsense”?
Isak’s injury record is worrying. Big money, big gamble. Gyokeres, Madueke and Eze (or Simons) works for me. Rodrygo is another big gamble.