Arsenal transfer target Alexander Isak has Euro 2020 audition

The striker department is not one Arsenal fans need worry to much about in the summer transfer window with other areas of the pitch understandably taking centre stage. In due course it will be a department to look at, and could even be this window depending on what happens in the coming weeks.

Alexandre Lacazette has an uncertain future in north London, but does have very certain qualities. So too Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, and arguably something in the middle of the two would make for the ideal Arsenal striker.

Finding said player is not easy. Near enough impossible. There are few complete strikers in world football other than the very elite who would chuckle at the mere notion of moving to Arsenal.

As Sweden face Spain in their opening group match of the European Championships, there is one player on show who, while far from perfect, is making strides towards being one of the best new modern centre-forwards on the continent: Alexander Isak.

Arsenal transfer target Alexander Isak has Euro 2020 audition at centre-forward for Sweden

He isn’t just a name either, as it’s been reported that he is someone Arsenal are keeping a close eye on, with Edu in particular a big fan of the striker.

A varied skillset means he is a combination of a 18-yard box predator, a linking mechanism to help build attacks from deep and a high-line presser all rolled into one. Just as capable playing on the shoulder as he is coming short for one-touch connective play, this summer’s European Championships will be a chance for Isak to show the world his ability.

Spain is a tough match whatever the occasion. Sweden are unlikely to see much possession against a midfield of Rodri and Koke, therefore where Isak will be most tested will be on his calmness.

If the ball breaks for the 21-year-old he’ll have to make absolute use of his time in possession, whether it’s holding possession, winning a foul or bringing others into play, while in and around the box he isn’t expected to be inundated with chances to score. Composure in his play, whether a opportunity to strike in the box or receiving the ball under pressure will be vital.

Such an interesting profile, whether a target for next summer or sooner, in the absence of Zlatan Ibrahimovic there is big expectation on his young shoulders.

Arsenal will need a striker at some stage with Aubameyang ageing, Lacazette nearing the end of his tenure, Folarin Balogun still young, Eddie Nketiah not due to stick around and Gabriel Martinelli still not certain to be a Premier League centre-forward long-term, and the performances of Isak over the coming three matches – and maybe beyond – could provide a strong indicator on whether they’re looking at the right target.