Paul Merson, former Arsenal player and now a prominent football pundit, has once again voiced his desire for the Gunners to bring in Alexander Isak from Newcastle United.
Merson, an outspoken fan of the Swedish striker, believes Isak is the “missing link” in Arsenal’s attacking setup and is worth “breaking the bank” to sign. While Arsenal passed on the chance to sign a center-forward over the summer, Merson suggests the club may soon find themselves regretting that decision as the title race intensifies.
Arsenal’s goal-scoring options are a hot topic of debate among fans and pundits alike, with comparisons being drawn between their attack and that of their Premier League rivals. Despite fielding talents like Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus, Arsenal’s forward line has, at times, lacked the dynamism and presence of a classic center-forward, something that could be crucial to their title ambitions. With Isak emerging as a potential solution, Arsenal might revisit the idea of signing him in 2025.
Reflecting on Isak’s qualities during his commentary on Sky Sports, Merson explained what he feels the 24-year-old striker could bring to Arsenal. “I’m a big fan of this lad,” Merson said. “I’m surprised Arsenal didn’t try and break the bank for him over the summer. He’s the kind of player who could be a game-changer for them.” For Merson, Isak’s ability to drop deep, link up play, and position himself in the box makes him an ideal fit for Mikel Arteta’s side.
Merson believes that Isak’s style of play could open up the field for Arsenal’s creative forces. “That’s what Arsenal need—they need someone who can spread the game, get players like [Martin] Odegaard and [Bukayo] Saka on the ball,” Merson explained. He feels that without a player of Isak’s profile, Arsenal’s attack becomes “a bit congested,” leaving Odegaard and Saka less space to operate. Merson even praised Isak’s recent performance against Arsenal, singling out a standout header as an example of the striker’s quality.
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As the January transfer window looms, Arsenal’s need for a potent center-forward may drive the club back to the drawing board, with Isak high on their radar. Arsenal sources have already hinted that the Swedish star has become their top target for the upcoming year. While Isak’s contract with Newcastle runs until 2028, a big enough offer could potentially turn the heads of the Magpies’ hierarchy—especially if Isak himself expresses a desire to join the Gunners.
Newcastle are reportedly firm in their stance against a mid-season sale of Isak, but they face the long-term challenge of keeping him engaged amid interest from elite clubs. Although his current contract puts them under little immediate pressure, a lucrative offer from Arsenal could eventually sway their decision, especially if Isak hesitates on signing a contract extension.
Aside from Isak, Arsenal are actively scouting other attacking options, both to keep their bases covered and to give them leverage in negotiations. One name rising on their list is PSG’s Randal Kolo Muani. The French forward has attracted attention from several Premier League clubs, with PSG said to be open to offers as they consider reshaping their forward line. Kolo Muani’s speed and versatility could offer Arsenal another valuable dimension, particularly given the ongoing need for quality depth.
Arsenal’s interest in players capable of stretching the pitch has also led them to monitor Bayern Munich’s Leroy Sane. With Sane’s contract set to expire soon, Arsenal could potentially engage in a competitive race for his signature alongside several other top European clubs. A player of Sane’s caliber would undoubtedly add firepower to Arsenal’s wings, complementing Saka and offering greater squad flexibility.
Meanwhile, potential outgoings could impact Arsenal’s attacking depth. Reiss Nelson, who has been on loan at Fulham this season, may be ready to request a permanent exit in search of consistent game time. Reports indicate that two Bundesliga clubs have expressed interest in the young winger, potentially paving the way for him to take on a new challenge in Germany.
Merson’s endorsement of Isak as the “missing link” comes at a time when Arsenal’s board is keen to address any gaps in their title challenge. With a well-constructed defense and a creative midfield, the lack of a focal point upfront is a glaring need, one that Isak seems tailor-made to fill. His combination of height, pace, and finishing ability has drawn comparisons to some of Europe’s elite forwards.
The path to signing Isak may not be straightforward, especially if Newcastle remain firm on keeping him through his contract’s duration. But Arsenal’s ambition to break the cycle of near-misses in the Premier League title race could drive them to invest heavily, marking a bold move to establish themselves as serious contenders.
For now, Arsenal fans will continue to speculate on their club’s next moves, with Merson and other pundits fueling the conversation around a potential marquee signing. Whether or not Isak dons the red and white in the near future remains to be seen, but his name will surely be a fixture in the headlines as Arsenal seek that final piece to transform their attack into one of the league’s most feared.