Arsenal have long been linked with a move for Alexander Isak, and it appeared that this summer would be the time for the club to make a serious attempt to bring him to the Emirates Stadium. Early in the transfer window, the Gunners made it clear that their intention was to invest heavily in a top-level striker, and the expectation was that Isak would be among their main targets.
However, the club eventually turned their attention elsewhere and has now signed Viktor Gyokeres. The Swedish striker has arrived from Sporting Club after a prolonged transfer saga and is expected to make an immediate impact in North London. Arsenal are confident that Gyokeres will lead the line effectively and contribute significantly to their goal tally in the coming season.
Why Arsenal Stepped Away from Isak
Despite Isak’s strong record in the Premier League and widespread belief among pundits that he could succeed at any top club in England, Arsenal made the calculated decision not to pursue him. According to ESPN, concerns about the striker’s recent injury history played a major role in the club’s thinking. Over the past few seasons, Isak has experienced several setbacks that raised doubts over his long-term reliability and fitness.
While Liverpool is reportedly still interested in bringing the Swedish international to Anfield, Arsenal assessed the risk and chose to direct its resources elsewhere. The club were unwilling to commit to a large financial outlay for a player who may not be available consistently across a demanding campaign.
Confidence in Gyokeres to Lead the Attack
With the signing of Gyokeres completed, Arsenal are now focused on integrating him into the squad ahead of the new season. The striker arrives with a strong record from his time in Portugal and is viewed as a powerful presence who can provide goals and physicality in the final third.
Although Isak remains a highly talented forward who often makes a difference when fit, Arsenal believe they have made the right choice for their current needs. Gyokeres is expected to play a central role in their push for silverware, and optimism is high that he will prove to be a valuable asset
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Probably the price. I believe Sesko was the main target but Arsenal were put off by the €90 m valuation. If €90m was a problem for Arsenal,there’s no way they would have been willing to pay the kind of fee Newcastle reportedly want for Isak.
We needed to strengthen in multiple areas. Getting Isak would have probably meant we wouldn’t strengthen in other areas. A squad is not just about quality but quantity as well.
Very well said mate….over 100M for Isak and with the questionable reliability was not wise.
Isak is not worth that price. Liverpool is paying silly money for a striker not better than the one Arsenal paid for!
My thoughts was also on his fitness. Newcastle are not always in Europe. So isak has league. FA & Carabao . Still injured in some form every season.In a top team with European football its 2 games a week over a long period.Its a lot of money if your main strikers injured 2/3 times a season.
He did not want to leave. Now he is open to leaving.
What is he going for? $
I thought it was Sesko we stepped away from due to his injury record?
For me the Isak story was just that. If we were quibbling over the fee that we paid for Gyokeres, on what planet were we then going to pay what Newcastle reportedly want for Isak.
As I said nothing more than a story.
👍 Derek. Isak was never in for us and we were never in for him as you say at the price/terms that were being required. While I can see Isak’s skills and wanted him before Newcastle acquired him, it was a transfer that simply wasn’t going to happen from anyone’s position. Now Isak is, for whatever reason (Newcastle’s failed bid on Ekitike?), considering a transfer. The equation has changed but we have quite rightfully imo moved on.
Newcastle have always quoted 150 mil for Isak but do not want to sell. Arsenal tentatively enquired but didn’t think the risk was worth it. We have Gyokores now and in every stat but the prem (because he hasn’t played in the prem) Gyokores has a better strike rate than Isak. A far better strike rate for Sweden and at different levels, he has scored goals, lots of them. We may or may not have the better striker, time will tell. Liverpool will have to pay big money for an injury prone striker. IF they get him, it may work but they still will not have replaced Diaz.
Plus on another note. Liverpool have made some good signings so far. But at some point Salah is going to start showing his age and so is VVD, the later to a lesser degree, already has. Unless they get a replacement for Diaz, VVD and ultimately Salah, next season could see that being a problem. Small or big.
They would probably be better getting Ghehi and a proper Diaz replacement instead of the brightest star in the sky.
I’d say we were told he prefers Liv right before we signed Gyokeres. Also, we were told that Isak would not make waves to get out because he’s such a nice guy, which now looks way off. Not saying he’s not a nice guy, but he has taken the Gyokeres route to get his move. I think he just wanted Liv more than anyone else
Apparently, Liverpool have had an offer of around £110m turned down by Newcastle (surprise, surprise) so if they want him, they’ll have to go further towards the Magpies reported £150m valuation of Isak. I can’t see Arsenal spending that kind of money on a single player what with the other players they’ve brought in during the summer.
Also, it’s down to player preference and if Isak really prefers Liverpool as has been reported it’s pretty easy to see why given their success over the past years under Klopp and now Slot. Arsenal’s probable pitch of “jam tomorrow” isn’t as powerful as the evidence of jam yesterday and jam today that Liverpool can deploy.
Bertie,
What’s going on, I have you talking about Jam. And Bruised Banana talking about Pizza, your both making me hungry. 😂👍
We were never serious about signing him anyways. Were we ever going to realistically offer as much money as Liverpool is about to? Were we ever not going to haggle over every single pound and every single detail of the deal for probably 90% of the summer? The moment Newcastle signs their replacement Liverpool will have Isak within 48hrs announced.