Arsenal told to make ‘fabulous’ £63m striker their ‘top’ target over Ivan Toney

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Iconic former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has now encouraged Arsenal to push to sign Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak. 

Arsenal have held an interest in Alexander Isak for some time, dating back to before the 24-year-old’s £63 million switch from Real Sociedad to Newcastle United in the summer of 2022.

In his time in the Premier League, Isak has grown and developed further as a player and has consistently impressed for the Magpies so far this season, as he has provided 14 goals in 23 appearances, across all competitions.

However, with the Merseyside outfit out of the Champions League and looking unlikely to qualify for Europe’s elite club competition next season, as they are currently languishing in 10th-place in the Premier League table, Isak may well be ready to seek pastures new in the near future. 

The Emirates Stadium is a possible destination for the Swedish star as the Gunners are currently in need of a new striker. Arsenal have been linked heavily with Ivan Toney, but Isak is younger, and likely has a higher ceiling than the once-capped England man. 

Rio Ferdinand certainly believes that Mikel Arteta ought to make sealing a deal for Isak his top priority. Speaking on TNT Sports (20/01/2024, 11:26), the former centre-back said, “I think he is a fabulous footballer and I think he has got levels to jump still, and I think if he was somebody’s gettable, which I think could be difficult, but if he was gettable, he would be one at the top of my list at that level.”

Why Arsenal should seriously consider Alexander Isak

Newcastle would likely be extremely reluctant to part with the 42-cap Sweden international, especially to let him join a domestic rival, but Arsenal may be able to sell Isak on the prospect of making the move to north London. If the player himself were to push for the move then that may well test Newcastle’s resolve.

Isak has the qualities required to flourish in Arteta’s tactical setup, too. He is supremely technically gifted, and could link up well with the likes of Martin Odegaard, Kai Havertz, and Bukayo Saka, amongst others. He is also a powerful physical presence, quick enough to press effectively, and can be a clinical finisher.

Isak would be an extremely exciting addition to the Arsenal squad, and would really challenge Gabriel Jesus for his starting berth at the club, which may be just the kind of intense competition that the Brazilian needs, given that he has been far from prolific this season but isn’t under a great deal of threat from Eddie Nketiah in terms of retaining his place in the pecking order.