Alan Shearer has made a bold Arsenal transfer claim about Alexander Isak amid striker issues

Add as preferred source on Google

Arsenal slumped to defeat against West Ham on Saturday afternoon, prompting discourse about the North London club’s lack of transfer activity in January.

Mikel Arteta selected Mikel Merino to lead the line, and the Spanish midfield failed to replicate his goal-scoring exploits from the Leicester game.

Alongside the Euro 2024 winner, Leandro Trossard and Ethan Nwaneri struggled to threaten Graham Potter’s side, as West Ham ran out 1-0 winners at the Emirates.

The Gunners will be forced to call upon this trio for the foreseeable future, with Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli all out.

It’s unlikely to be good enough to lead Arsenal to the promised land this season, and thus talk about how the club can address these issues in the summer has already commenced.

• READ MORE: ‘This obsession…’ – Gary Neville believes there is one reason why Arsenal won’t win the Premier League title

Alan Shearer believes Arsenal can’t afford to sign Alexander Isak

Alexander Isak has been linked with Arsenal, and is understood to be the club’s primary summer transfer target.

The Swedish striker is enjoying a prolific campaign for Newcastle, netting 21 goals across all competitions, after managing 25 last season.

The Gunners’ interest is well documented, but there is scepticism about their ability to match the likely extortionate fee that the Magpies will demand.

Speaking on the Rest is Football podcast, Alan Shearer and Gary Lineker discussed the topic of Isak joining Arsenal.

Lineker suggested: “They could always get Isak.”

However, Shearer quickly dismissed the idea of this, responding: “No, they couldn’t.

“I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again and again and again. I don’t think Arsenal would be able to afford him. I really don’t and I’m being serious on that.”

Arsenal are expected to bid for Isak, and Newcastle are said to be willing to sanction his departure if they don’t qualify for the Champions League.

However, this would still be at some cost, with many reports indicating that the Tyensiders would want in excess of £120 million for their talisman.

At this price, Shearer is probably correct, although if the number nine was to force a move and Eddie Howe’s team aren’t in Europe’s elite competition, then it’s not implausible to think that a deal could materialise.

Alexander Isak’s statistics

Liverpool have also emerged as a potential suitor for Isak according to some reports, although that likely hinges on the future of Mohamed Salah.

It’s no surprise that Arteta is so desperate to land the Newcastle hitman, with his underlying metrics making for exceptionally impressive reading.

Taking over three shots per 90, Isak accumulates 0.69 expected goals per 90, data that indicates that his goal-scoring rate is certainly sustainable and could even improve with better finishing.

Meanwhile, creatively he produces solid numbers, assisting 1.6 shots per 90 minutes and amassing 0.14 expected assists.

Capable of being a presence in the box and getting on the end of moves, as well as dropping deep to facilitate play, Isak is the ultimate striker for Arteta’s system and Arsenal must do everything they can to land him.