Andy Cole has warned Mikel Arteta that acquiring Alexander Isak could cost more than the £105million spent on Declan Rice's transfer from West Ham.
The Newcastle forward has had another standout season, netting 19 Premier League goals, with only Erling Haaland and Mohamed Salah outscoring the Swedish international. Despite Newcastle's current sixth-place standing and their Champions League aspirations for next season, there's been speculation about whether the 25-year-old will stay at St James' Park if they don't secure European football.
Cole, who left Newcastle for Manchester United in a then-record £7m deal back in 1995, can relate to Isak's situation. Speaking on behalf of BetMGM, the five-time Premier League champion lauded Isak but suggested his departure from Newcastle isn't a given.
"I wouldn't say they're resigned to that fact due to the fact that if anyone wants to buy him, the fee is going to be in excess of £100m, and how many clubs can afford that?" the 53-year-old questioned. He further noted that Arsenal would need to surpass their own transfer record - set by Declan Rice's £105m move - to land the striker who "terrorised" their defence during the EFL Cup semi-final at the Emirates Stadium.
"I don't think Newcastle will be too worried about that because they know his value is going to be around £115-£120m," the United icon said. "I enjoy watching him, I watched him against Arsenal in the first leg of the EFL Cup semi-final and I thought he was absolutely brilliant, he terrorised the back four.
"I can see why people say they remind him of Thierry [Henry]. If he ever ended like Thierry, then bloody hell, he will be some player," reports the Mirror. Arsenal are currently grappling with an injury crisis in their forward line, with Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka, and Gabriel Martinelli all sidelined.
Arsenal's Spanish manager Mikel Arteta dejected
Mikel Arteta looks set to target a striker this summer (Image: IAN KINGTON/IKIMAGES/AFP via Getty Images)
Arteta had set his sights on Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins, even tabling a £60m bid for the striker in January, but it was promptly turned down. The Spaniard has since shared his thoughts on what he seeks in a number nine, highlighting a relentless work ethic and strong character as key attributes.
Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: "A nine that can produce goals, but in the manner that we face a lot, for example a lot of low blocks, lots of density in the box and in the manner we play. If he's a great guy - top. If he's very much available - great. If he can produce magic moments - even better. If his work rate is top - let's bring him in."
Andy Cole was speaking on behalf of BetMGM. You could win £250,000 at this year's Cheltenham Festival - more details are available at BetMGM's website.
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Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus with the Arsenal Therapy Dog Win during the Arsenal Men's team group shoot at London Colney on September 18, 2023
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