Paul Merson just can’t help himself sometimes, can he?
The Sky Sports pundit has been predicting Newcastle’s upcoming clash with Brentford on Wednesday night and previewing the 7.45pm kick-off at St James’ Park.
But, not for the first time, he couldn’t help but debate where a certain Newcastle United star will end up this summer, pushing for a certain Premier League rival to make a move.
Paul Merson is actually backing Newcastle to build on our Carabao Cup win with a 2-0 win over Brentford tonight – but he couldn’t help but go off topic regarding Alexander Isak’s future.
If we don’t get enough of it rammed down our throats from Sky Sports, their very own pundit is now turning another of his prediction pieces into a plea to Arsenal, who he claims would “win the league by 10 points next season” with the Swede in their side.
Yes, just two weeks after his winning goal at Wembley, countless interviews stating how he’s sick of the speculation and a bus parade on Saturday lifting the trophy with a smile, Merson is back talking about where Isak will end up; despite recent reports indicating that Arsenal and Liverpool won’t be able to afford him.
Speaking to [Sportskeeda](https://www.sportskeeda.com/), he said: “For Newcastle, this game comes after an incredible achievement. They must switch back on quickly though. It was amazing to win the cup, but they need to get into the top four and return to the Champions League next season!
“This isn’t the time to relax and Brentford are not easy opponents. At first, Brentford were incredible at home and now they are outstanding on the road. So this is far from an easy game for Newcastle.
“I can’t see Newcastle keeping hold of Alexander Isak next season if I’m being honest. I know it sounds unfair but still. I think Arsenal need to sign Isak. If they can get him, Arsenal win the league by 10 points next season! I’m not kidding, I can actually see Arsenal winning the league comfortably if they sign Isak.
“I expect Liverpool to lose some key players this summer and that will severely weaken them. This is the chance for Arsenal to bring in a quality player like Isak and end that Premier League title drought.
“Big game coming up for Newcastle and I expect them to win here.
**Merson’s prediction:** Newcastle United 2-0 Brentford”
Things can change in football and Champions League qualification will be key in the coming years, but there are several reasons why Alexander Isak will be staying put this summer.
PIF are determined to keep our star man and it’s even been reported that Yasir Al-Rumayyan has instructed Toon chiefs to keep Isak at all costs.
Even if money did come into it, reports from The Athletic this week claim Arsenal will find it almost ‘impossible’ to afford the Swede, while Liverpool have too many areas of their team to address to afford a £150m+ bid.
Real Madrid have Mbappe, Bayern have Kane, Man City have Haaland and Barcelona’s financial issues won’t allow Isak to become Lewandowski’s potential replacement.
He’s also contracted until 2028, will be offered a pay-rise this summer and has just seen that he can win things on Tyneside, leaving a top five finish as (hopefully) the final nail in the coffin for any club hoping to sign him this summer.
Secure Champions League football and maybe even Merson will stop piping up every other week!