Arsenal’s worst Alexander Isak transfer fears realised

Arsenal ultimately came up short in their desire to land Dusan Vlahovic this summer despite their best attempts, with allure of Serie A and Juventus proving to be too good to refuse for the Serbian.

As that deal nears completion before the deadline day, focus has shifted to the other targets on the Gunners’ minds: Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Alexander Isak.

The Swedish striker was largely considered one of the more obtainable options despite his monumental £75m release clause. Arsenal are no strangers to taking advantage of such an opening, as seen with Thomas Partey, although it was felt efforts would be made to negotiate that figure down.

Whomever the club do bring in will be expensive, as with Vlahovic, and even with their hopes of a reduced fee it comes as no great surprise to hear that Real Sociedad are not willing to budge on the number.

Arsenal’s worst Alexander Isak transfer fears realised with Real Sociedad firm on £75m release clause and striker uncertain on January move

As per Matt Law of the Telegraph, the Spanish side would want his release clause paid both immediately, and in full. The ‘immediately’ part is intriguing, as if activated they are in no position to reject the move.

However, that isn’t the biggest concern, even if the sum is an exceptionally high amount.

Indeed, Isak is also not entirely sold on the idea of joining Arsenal this month. Mentioned elsewhere and seen as questionable at the time due to the player’s idol being Thierry Henry, the pathway to the starting lineup laid out for him and being the ‘best of friends’ with Martin Odegaard, it comes as a significant blow.

Arsenal, despite their desperation, appear to have two of their leading centre-forward targets not enthused by the idea of moving to north London in this window.

It’s said that Isak ‘holds reservations’, which doesn’t fully nip this in the bud, but in the circumstances Arsenal, and their supporters, will be more on board with the idea of signing the 22-year-old were he excited by the thought of donning the red and white.

What Arsenal must do in this situation, if he is the player they are determined to sign this window, is find out for definite. At such a crucial stage of the season there can be no room for passengers or players not invested in the targets this campaign.

There is the possibility that Isak sees his next move as one he’d rather complete in the summer, perhaps after firing Real Sociedad into European football and due to feeling committed to his current employers in that way, which if the case means there is little ground to gain this window.

Drama doesn’t follow far behind Arsenal. It never does. When the All or Nothing series comes out, the January transfer episode may be one to avoid, or one to fast forward to.