Arsenal want to sign Alexander Isak from Newcastle United in 2025.
The Sweden international has made a real impact on Tyneside since his £63m move from Real Sociedad back in August 2022 – scoring 43 goals in 84 appearances for the Magpies.
TBR Football understand Newcastle are struggling in contract talks with Isak – whose current terms expire in June 2028 – putting Liverpool and Manchester City on red alert.
However – according to the Daily Mail – many inside Arsenal view the Swede as the leading striker target in the summer transfer window, although the Gunners hold one concern about Alexander Isak.
Arsenal worried about Alexander Isak injury history
The Daily Mail state that Arsenal hold concerns internally about the 25-year-old’s injury record.
Isak, who Barcelona like, has missed 38 games for Newcastle since arriving in the Premier League – suffering from thigh issues, groin problems and also a broken toe.
It is said that Arsenal are even more concerned about this situation given the intensity of Arteta’s football, with Emirates Stadium insiders wary of spending big on the striker, only for him to keep breaking down.
The broken toe is a matter of bad fortune, although you can see why Arsenal feel this way about Isak – he missed 19 games in the 2022/23 campaign alone, which is long enough to potentially derail a title charge if the man from Solna was playing for the Gunners.
Mikel Arteta has two other strikers on his shortlist
The plan seems to be as follows – bring a prolific No.9 to Arsenal this summer.
Not only do the Daily Mail state that Isak is on the shortlist, but it is said that Benjamin Sesko of RB Leipzig and Sporting CP No.9 Viktor Gyokeres are also admired by Arsenal.
Interestingly, a concern over the latter is mentioned too.
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Arsenal are wary of spending the £85m needed to sign Gyokeres as he will be 27 when the 2025/26 campaign begins, whereas Sesko is only 21.
The Gunners are also unsure about whether the Swede can replicate his stunning form in Liga Portugal – where he boasts 47 goals in 47 games for Sporting CP – in the Premier League.
Therefore, Sesko could become the No.1 striker target for Arsenal if Arteta cannot see past Isak’s injury record and these doubts over Gyokeres.