Arsenal's three-year transfer chase for Alexander Isak has come back to bite Mikel Arteta

Arsenal’s transfer interest in Alexander Isak may be one of the worst-kept secrets in the world of football business.

The Gunners have been eyeing a deal for the striker for quite a few years now, but have failed to make a switch.

In that time, Alexander Isak has moved from Real Sociedad to Newcastle, going on to impress in the Premier League.

As a result, the fee over a potential transfer has only steadily increased to a point where a deal could be virtually impossible.

Arsenal may try for the transfer of Isak once again in the summer, but it could be too late for Mikel Arteta.

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The history of Arsenal’s transfer chase for Alexander Isak

The first documented reports of Arsenal’s interest in Alexander Isak came back in the January 2022 transfer window.

At the time, the striker played for Real Sociedad and was scoring regularly in La Liga, landing on the radar at the Emirates Stadium.

A move never went through, though, as a £75million release clause was deemed a risk at the time for the Swedish international.

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Fast forward to the summer of 2022, and Arsenal’s indecision was Newcastle’s gain as the side pushed hard to land Isak instead.

The Magpies paid roughly £60million to seal a deal for the striker, who signed a six-year deal at St. James’ Park.

Shortly after he made the move to Newcastle, Arsenal realised their mistake by letting Isak join a rival Premier League outfit.

The goals started to flow for the Swedish international, leading to links with a move over the 2023 and 2024 summer transfer windows.

Neither approach has gone through for the North London side though, who still hold an interest in the striker now.

With Arsenal showing interest in a move, Newcastle have set a £150million price tag on Alexander Isak over a possible transfer.

It’s a huge price that would break a British transfer record as well as Arsenal’s record signing – which is Declan Rice at roughly £105million.

Whether the Gunners go on to smash that record with a move remains to be seen.

The failure to bring in Isak earlier may well end up costing Arsenal more money in the future to land someone who was already on their radar.

However, even beyond that move, it has cost the team big time in other competitions with his own form.

Isak has found an ability to score goals against Arsenal, costing them points in the Premier League title race.

Beyond that, in the 2024/25 campaign, his goal has so far made the difference in the Carabao Cup semi-final following a 2-0 win in the first leg.