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.
Season Injury From Until Days Games missed
24/25 Broken toe Sep 15th 2024 Oct 18th 2024 33 days 7
23/24 Groin injury Jan 30th 2024 Feb 23rd 2024 24 days 4
23/24 Groin injury Oct 25th 2023 Nov 24th 2023 30 days 8
22/23 Thigh problems Sep 20th 2022 Jan 4th 2023 106 days 19
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.
Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres of Sweden during the UEFA Nations League 2024/25 League C Group C1 match between Sweden and Azerbaijan at Strawb...
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
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.
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