Arsenal legend Paul Merson has shared his thoughts on what might have been if the Gunners had managed to sign Alexander Isak. Speaking to Sportskeeda, Merson highlighted the transformative impact the Swedish striker could have had on Arsenal’s attack, calling him a player who could elevate the team to another level.
The Missing Piece
“I said this about Alexander Isak at the start of the season, and I’m not changing it: if Arsenal got him, it would have been the icing on the cake,” Merson declared. The former Arsenal midfielder believes that while Gabriel Jesus is a top-class forward, Isak offers a different dimension, one that could have given Arsenal an edge in their quest for silverware.
“Jesus scored a hat-trick in the cup game, but Isak is on a different level. He’s a very good player and could have caused massive problems to other teams if Arsenal got him,” Merson added.
A Proven Goalscorer
Since joining Newcastle United in 2022 for a club-record fee from Real Sociedad, Isak has been a revelation in the Premier League. The Swedish international has scored an impressive 41 goals in 67 league appearances, cementing his reputation as one of Europe’s most prolific strikers. His ability to combine technical finesse with physicality and lethal finishing has made him a nightmare for defenders and a critical asset for Newcastle’s resurgence.
Arsenal’s Striking Options
While Arsenal fans have plenty to celebrate with Gabriel Jesus leading the line, Merson’s comments highlight a lingering question: could the Gunners’ attack benefit from a player like Isak? Jesus, despite his work rate and versatility, is not a traditional number nine. His game revolves around link-up play, movement, and creating opportunities for others. Isak, on the other hand, is a more direct, goal-focused forward who thrives on exploiting spaces and converting chances with clinical precision.
Adding a player like Isak to Arsenal’s current squad, which already boasts attacking talents like Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, and Martin Ødegaard, could provide an added layer of unpredictability and firepower.
A Missed Opportunity?
Arsenal were linked with Isak in the past, particularly during his time at Real Sociedad, but a deal never materialized. With Newcastle reaping the rewards of his presence, it’s easy to see why Merson and many Arsenal fans might wonder what could have been.
Newcastle’s signing of Isak has proven to be a masterstroke, and the Magpies have built their attack around his strengths. For Arsenal, securing a player of his caliber in the future might be a priority if they want to compete consistently at the highest level.
Looking Ahead
While Isak remains a “what if” scenario for Arsenal, Merson’s comments underline the need for continual improvement, even in a squad as talented as Mikel Arteta’s. Whether or not the Gunners revisit their interest in Isak, the pursuit of elite players will remain essential as Arsenal aim to cement their status among Europe’s elite. For now, fans can only imagine what Isak could have brought to the Emirates Stadium.