Alexander Isak, with Arne Slot’s Liverpool being keen admirers, is a name on everyone’s lips this summer. Arsenal, too, were interested in the Swedish sharpshooter earlier this summer – but the two reasons why the north Londoners opted against signing the 25-year-old have been revealed.
Tall, yet silky, strikers are all the rage nowadays and Isak is the epitome of that footballing archetype. Since swapping La Liga side Real Sociedad for Newcastle United three years ago, the Sweden international has become one of the most exciting line-leaders to watch.
Isak’s Newcastle departure has been inevitable in the last year or so – and there were a number of suitors, including Mikel Arteta’s title-chasing side, lining up for a chance to snare his services this summer. They landed on Viktor Gyokeres instead – but why was that?
Why Arsenal Snubbed Chance to Sign Isak
The north Londoners had ‘several doubts’ over the Swede
Recently, in an attempt to force a move away from St James’ Park, the ex-Borussia Dortmund striker returned to Spain to train with Sociedad. He’s now back on Tyneside while his Newcastle teammates are in South Korea on pre-season duties. But will Isak, a player of immense talent, get his move away?
At the time of writing, the reigning champions of England, Liverpool, have reportedly withdrawn their interest after their initial bid – believed to be around the £120 million mark – was rejected by Newcastle’s boardroom bosses. What happens next is unknown.
As alluded to, another potential destination for the lanky Swede was Arsenal and, according to BBC Sport, the capital club had the budget to make an approach. Why they didn’t sign the blistering frontman, however, has now been revealed by ESPN.
Firstly, sources were under the assumption that Newcastle – who finished fifth in the Premier League last term – were unlikely to allow him to move onto pastures new. Not only that, but his fitness record was a sticking point in boardroom discussions.
“Sources said Arsenal considered Alexander Isak at Newcastle, but harboured several doubts about a deal. Not only did they believe Newcastle were extremely unlikely to let him leave, but whether his fitness record suggested that he could be relied upon every week as a £100 million-plus signing would need to be.”
In terms of injuries, Isak missed a total of nine games – for Newcastle and Sweden – throughout last season, per Transfermarkt. The talisman broke his toe in September before experiencing issues with his groin and hamstring later on in the campaign.
Instead, as previously mentioned, Arsenal chiefs struck a deal with Sporting CP for Isak’s fellow Swede, Gyokeres. Last season, the Stockholm-born 27-year-old scored an eye-catching 54 goals across all competitions. Whether that goalscoring prowess can work in the English top flight remains to be seen.
Alexander Isak vs Viktor Gyokeres - 24/25 League Stats Compared
Statistic
Minutes
Goals
Assists
Shots per game
Aerials won per game
Key passes per game
Dribbles per game
Overall rating
Comparatively, Isak – widely regarded as one of the best strikers in world football right now – scored 27 goals and turned provider on six occasions. His Premier League experience is, however, why some prefer him over the aforementioned centre-forward, Gyokeres.
All statistics per WhoScored* – *correct as of 02/08/2025