Arsenal host Manchester City on Sunday afternoon in a huge clash which could have significant ramifications on the Premier League title race.
It’s beginning to look as though it won’t be the Gunners’ year, as they sit six points adrift of league leaders Liverpool, who have a game in hand.
However, the Merseysiders travel to high-flying Bournemouth this weekend, and any slip up there for Arne Slot’s side would see Mikel Arteta’s team close the gap with victory over City.
Ian Wright has predicted Arsenal to win on Sunday, whilst the pundit also believes Liverpool will drop points to reignite the title race.
This potential turnaround in momentum would be important, but Paul Merson has revealed his belief that signing one specific player would make all the difference for his former club.
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Paul Merson thinks Alexander Isak would win Arsenal the Premier League
The pressure is starting to grow on Arsenal to add a forward to their ranks before the end of the transfer window, although no move appears imminent.
Ollie Watkins is a target for the club, but Aston Villa are understood to be reluctant to sanction their star man’s departure.
Meanwhile, Alexander Isak remains Mikel Arteta’s dream signing, although the Swedish striker would demand a substantial fee.
However, Merson believes the acquisition of Isak would lead Arsenal to Premier League glory, hinting that the Gunners should break the bank for him.
Writing for Sportskeeda, the pundit said: “We’re talking about the best centre-forward in the league right now in Alexander Isak.
“His goals and contributions have been mightily impressive.
“The thing with Isak is that he is consistently good. Some players score 10 goals in 10 games and there would have been two hat-tricks in there.
“But Isak is someone who scores in every single game and that makes him the best out there.
“There is no doubt that all the top clubs will want to sign him. With Financial Fair Play (FFP) also coming into the pitcture, it will be interesting to see if Newcastle can hold on to him.
“If Arsenal signed Isak, I would be shocked if they don’t end up winning the Premier League.”
Isak has netted 17 goals and provided five assists in the Premier League this season.
This output would certainly be welcome to an Arsenal squad that hasn’t seen a player surpass eight league goals this term.
Merson predicts Arsenal to beat Man City
Merson’s admission that signing Isak would generate a major honour for Arsenal isn’t the former player’s only optimistic take about his ex-club this weekend.
The outspoken broadcaster believes that the Gunners will overcome City on Sunday afternoon at the Emirates.
“Arsenal still have an advantage here because I don’t think Manchester City are back to their best yet,” he wrote.
“They may have improved results wise, but are they ready to trouble Arsenal? I’m not entirely sure.
“If they had to wait a little longer for that equaliser against Club Brugge, it could have become a messy game in my opinion.
“If City were the team of old, I would play Jorginho in midfield, because he is good at getting out of the press, comfortable on the ball and can pick a pass.
“But then Manchester City are not the same anymore, they don’t close down as quickly as they used to. So I wouldn’t really prefer Jorginho for this game.
“Prediction: Arsenal 2-1 Manchester City.”
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