Paul Merson makes bold claim about Alexander Isak transfer to Arsenal after Carabao Cup performance

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Alexander Isak continues to be linked with a move to Arsenal, after producing an exceptional performance against his potential future employers in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night.

Newcastle ran out 2-0 winners in the second leg of the semi-final, cruising past the Gunners courtesy of goals from Jacob Murphy and Anthony Gordon.

Isak was a live wire throughout, with his superb movement and sharp combination play threatening the Arsenal back-line on multiple occasions.

The Swedish striker is admired by Mikel Arteta, who is understood to be intent on bringing the player to the Emirates eventually.

Paul Merson believes Alexander Isak is destined to join Arsenal

Arsenal struggled to find a cutting edge in their defeat at St. James’ Park, something Newcastle had in abundance.

Isak and Gordon’s pace and direct running caused the Gunners constant issues, and showcased to the North London club what they may be missing in the final third.

Arsenal are reportedly preparing to sign Isak in the summer, although they’ll surely face competition for his signature and would have to stump up a significant fee to land him.

However, speaking on Sky Sports, Paul Merson revealed his belief that Arsenal is the only destination that makes sense for Isak.

“It’ll come down to money. I don’t know the lad but that’s what it more likely comes down to,” the former player said.

“If someone comes in and they offer a lot of money, it’ll be hard, you know?

“So for me, I don’t know. At the moment, they’re in the final. Will then win it? If they play Tottenham maybe, if they play Liverpool it’s going to be harder.

“But yeah, the lad’s a special player. But on the way in, I was thinking where’s he going to go? He’s not going Man City, he’s not going to go Man United – I don’t know if they have any money to buy anyone anyway.

“He’s not going to go Tottenham, I don’t think he’ll go Villa. He can only go to Arsenal in the whole world really, unless it’s Real Madrid and they have Mbappe anyway.

“So, for me it’s only Arsenal where he can go and then it’ll be up to him. Does he want to go and play for Arsenal and might win something, or stay at Newcastle and might win something?

A fee in excess of £120 million has been cited for Isak, which may ultimately deter Arsenal.

However, Newcastle may need to sanction the sale in order to comply with profit and sustainability rules, potentially lowering the demands to an extent.

“It’ll be an interesting one but it all depends on the fair play rule as well, I don’t know what Newcastle have to do.”

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Alexander Isak’s 2024/25 statistics

Not only does Isak pass the eye test, but his statistics also indicate that he is a truly special player.

The 25-year-old scored 21 goals in just 27 Premier League starts last season, and has continued this exquisite form into the new campaign.

Amassing 0.70 expected goals per 90 and taking over three shots, his goal-scoring exploits are sustainable and only likely to improve if he were to join a better team.

Meanwhile, Isak manages this level of goal threat whilst maintaining excellent creative numbers for a striker.

He has every string to his bow, and Arsenal should be doing everything they can to secure the player come the summer.