Arsenal are in the market for a new forward, and their need for a new frontman has been accelerated by the Aubameyang situation.
It appears Aubameyang’s long future is no longer at Arsenal and with Eddie Nketiah and Alexandre Lacazette’s contracts set to run out in 6 months time, Arteta desperately needs at least one new forward to lead this young team.
Spanish outlet El Nacional have suggested Arsenal are ‘close to signing’ Real Sociedad Alexander Isak.
Their report mentions Barcelona’s interest in Isak, they say Xavi really likes the player and sees him as a good fit for Barca. However, the report goes on to say that Arsenal are ahead in the race, given they are in a stronger financial situation and that Sociedad’s preference is to sell Isak abroad.
“I’m in a good place right now, I’m very happy, but one day it would be good to play in England too. They have six or seven of the biggest clubs in the world, it’s a very high level and of course one day it would be an alternative. “Every player wants to be the best version of himself and reach the highest possible level,” Isak told The Independent (via El Nacional) about Arsenal’s interest in signing him.
Isak, 22, signed a new contract with Sociedad in the summer, this saw his release clause rise to £75million. Arsenal are unlikely to want to pay such a huge sum, but what a release clause does mean is that, if triggered, whether in the summer or winter window, Arsenal could get their man, regardless of Sociedad’s stance on a mid-season transfer. Is the extra premium worth paying to address Arsenal’s deficiencies in attack right now?
Isak has plenty of years to improve still, but his lack of goals may concern some. This season he has netted just 4 La Liga goals in 16 games – statistics not really befitting of a £75million player. Isak himself though has commented on the fact that he offers more than just goals:
“People will always count the goals, I want to score, but I want to be a modern striker. I love playing football and that means getting as involved as possible. I think that’s why Spain has been very good for me,” he added.
Isak’s goalscoring record for his country is better, having netted 9 times in 32 appearances.
This one is certainly one to watch, as a club insider told Fresh Arsenal that the Gunners interest in Isak is legitimate.