Arsenal legend Paul Merson has advised his former club to sign Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak. Merson believes the 25-year-old center-forward will help the Gunners spread the game, thus allowing Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka to have more time on the ball.
After finishing second in two consecutive seasons, Arsenal have lost a bit of momentum this term. After 11 Gameweeks, Mikel Arteta’s men are in fourth place in the rankings, sitting nine points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool. They are currently on a four-game winless run in the division. Their last success came against relegation-threatened Southampton on October 5.
Paul Merson Says He Is Surprised Arsenal Did Not Go All Out of Alexander Isak in the Summer
Former Arsenal star Merson believes the North London club are missing a versatile center-forward and backed them to go all out for Newcastle United star Isak.
Speaking on Sky Sports after Arsenal’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea on Sunday (November 10), Merson said (via Team Talk):
“I’m a big fan of this lad. I’m surprised Arsenal didn’t try and break the bank for him over the summer, I think he was the missing link for Arsenal
“I think he can do everything, he can come short, he gets in the box, he can spread the game. That’s what Arsenal need, you need to spread the game so you can get players like [Martin] Odegaard and [Bukayo] Saka on the ball.”
He concluded by adding:
“At the moment Arsenal are a bit congested, they haven’t got a player like Isak. I’m a fan, I’m a really big fan. I thought his header against Arsenal was outstanding. Big fan.”
After allowing Eddie Nketiah to depart, Arsenal began the 2024-25 Premier League season with Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz as their center-forward options. Unfortunately, neither player has managed to be consistent in front of goal. While Havertz has scored four goals in 11 games, Jesus has yet to open his account in nine outings. Isak has also been below par this season, scoring five goals in 11 games across competitions. However, his endless stamina and off-the-ball intelligence have greatly helped the Magpies’ cause.
