Former Arsenal boss Arsène Wenger
Image credit: Getty Images
Arsène Wenger has named Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak as the one player he would sign for Arsenal this summer if he were still in charge at the Emirates.
Wenger, who managed the Gunners from 1996 to 2018 and remains the club’s most successful boss, revealed his admiration for the Swedish striker during a recent charity dinner, according to former Arsenal goalkeeper David Seaman.
“I had a dinner with Arsène Wenger about three weeks ago,” Seaman shared on hisSeaman Says podcast. “I asked him, ‘You’re the boss, who would you sign this summer?’ And straight away he said, ‘Isak.’”
Now 75 and serving as FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development, Wenger no longer plays a role in Arsenal’s transfer strategy, but his endorsement highlights the high regard in which Isak is held by some of the game’s top minds.
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Isak enjoyed a prolific 2024–25 Premier League campaign, scoring 23 goals and providing six assists in 34 appearances for Newcastle. His consistent goal-scoring form and calmness under pressure have earned praise from Newcastle boss Eddie Howe, who recently lauded the 24-year-old’s “ruthless mentality.”
Arsenal Alexander Isak
Alexander Isak (Image credit: Getty Images)
“He’s got that ruthless mentality to scoring goals,” Howe said. “To have the coolness of mind to take a step back and go, ‘Right, this is what I need to do,’ and deliver it for the team — it’s special.”
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Arsenal have long been admirers of Isak, but a potential deal appears out of reach for now. Newcastle are reportedly demanding at least £150 million to even consider entering negotiations, a fee that could prove prohibitive for the Gunners.
With that in mind, former Arsenal winger Jermaine Pennant has suggested an alternative: Aston Villa and England striker Ollie Watkins.
“Arsenal do need a striker,” Pennant told aceodds.com. “If they’ve got the money, get Isak. But if not, they should go back into the market for Ollie Watkins. I think he would be great.
“He’s got an eye for goal, he’s got pace, he’s an international, and I think he would work well in Arteta’s system. He can link up play. He’s got it all, to be fair, and it’ll be cut-price compared to Isak.”
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