Alexander Isak has just revealed a small detail that could lead to Arsenal transfer in the summer

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It’s well documented that Arsenal are interested in signing Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak.

The Gunners are on the hunt for a forward, with Kai Havertz not delivering the volume of goals required to lead to major honours and Gabriel Jesus out for several months with an ACL injury.

A number of marquee names have been linked with a switch to the Emirates, including the likes of Ollie Watkins, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko.

However, Isak is understood to be Mikel Arteta’s dream target, and the North Londoners could well break the bank for the Swede in the summer.

• READ MORE: Arsenal dealt transfer blow as David Ornstein reveals Mikel Arteta target is staying at his club

Arsenal target Alexander Isak reveals why he wears number 14 at Newcastle

Isak enjoyed a prolific 2023/24 season, netting 21 goals in just 27 Premier League starts.

The 25-year-old boasts the perfect set of attributes to lead the line for the Gunners, with his ruthless finishing, relentless running of the channels, intelligent link-up play and selfless pressing all perfectly suited to Arteta’s system.

However, Newcastle won’t be keen on sanctioning his departure to a Premier League rival, and thus it would cost Arsenal a fortune to lure Isak to N5.

A deal could be made easier if the number nine agitates for a move, and a small detail in an interview with the BBC suggests that’s plausible.

Asked by Alan Shearer why he wears the number 14 shirt at St. James’ Park, Isak cited Thierry Henry donning the number at Arsenal.

“Where does the number 13 come from? Is it because your idol Thierry Henry?” Shearer queried.

“He was definitely one player I liked a bit extra,” the striker responded.

“Many great players have had number 14. When I signed for Newcastle, out of the numbers that were available, I think 14 was the most iconic one.”

Evidently invested in the iconic nature of shirt numbers, this could be a small advantage for Arsenal in their pursuit of Isak.

The number 14 is available at the Emirates after Eddie Nketiah departed last summer, and the Gunners could offer the Newcastle man the shirt in a bid to attract him south.

Pitching the idea of replicating his idol Henry in his iconic shirt could ultimately result in Isak pushing to leave the north-west and sign for Arsenal.

Alexander Isak’s statistics are stunning

Shearer suggested four strikers Arsenal could sign instead of Isak earlier this month, and it’s certainly no surprise to see the Newcastle legend attempt to steer the North Londoners away from the Magpies’ prized asset.

The data indicates that the Sweden international is truly one of the best on the planet.

Contributing to 22 goals in just 21 appearances, Isak’s underlying data is equally as impressive as his surface level statistics.

Taking over three shots per 90 minutes, he accumulates 0.74 expected goals, whilst boasting elite creative numbers at the same time.

If Arsenal can somehow find a way to enact this deal, they should certainly do it.