Arsenal’s future transfer stance on Alexander Isak revealed

Arsenal did not sign a centre-forward in the January transfer window. That is a point that will be made every week between now and the end of the season.

Every defeat, draw or spurned opportunity in front of goal will see that brought to the fore. When you pass up the opportunity to sign a replacement for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and inject some vital predatory pedigree in your side you run that risk.

When Alexandre Lacazette misses a presentable chance, Mikel Arteta and Edu will come under flak. And, the majority of the questions directed the club’s way will ask why they didn’t sign Alexander Isak when he was a player hugely admired by those at the Emirates.

The answer to that question is fairly straightforward one: he cost an absolute fortune.

Arsenal transfer stance on Alexander Isak and his £76m release clause hints towards future plans in summer window

Boasting a release clause worth an eye-watering €90m (£76m), it became clear that despite the Gunners’ liking for the Swede, that amount of money was not what they valued him at. Forking that sum out on a 22-year-old who you’re not certain is the answer would have been another stupid decision to add to a growing list of recruitment fallacies.

As per The Athletic, it was exactly that reason. The fee needed to activate that clause was one deemed ‘over his true market value’.

Whether one believes Isak to be the answer or not, Arsenal not delving into their cash reserves for a panic purchase has to be commended. They have their own value and Isak exceeded it. They were right not to sign him based on those reasonings.

Them not bringing someone else in, even a loan, is a different matter though. As for the future, this stance reveals what may come further down the line, perhaps even in the summer.

Real Sociedad were adamant that they wouldn’t accept less in mid-season, which makes absolute sense given that they’re still pushing for a Champions League spot in La Liga. However, they will know as well as anyone that the chances of someone stumping up the full £76m, especially if Isak’s goals keep drying up, are incredibly slim.

At some stage they will not want to miss out on a gigantic injection of cash and negotiations on his price – he can be sold for less than his release clause – will be sure to take place.

Isak remains of long-term interest to Arsenal but they will not be paying the full amount. Not in January, and nor in the summer. Unless there is wiggle room, or if Isak goes on a barnstorming goal spree between now and the end of the season, that won’t change.