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Alexander Isak could be set for a move away from Newcastle this summer and that could have a disastrous effect on Arsenal's ambitions for the upcoming season.
The Gunners have held long-term interest in the Swede and despite that stretching back to before his 2022 transfer to the Magpies, they never managed to secure his signature. Many had prompted the club to target him this summer, but Newcastle's expected extortionate asking price prompted Mikel Arteta's side to look elsewhere.
Arsenal have now agreed a deal to sign Viktor Gyokeres and while he is a brilliant signing for the club, their lack of attempts to sign Isak at an earlier time may not bode well for them. He now wants to leave Tyneside and the Gunners may have missed out on a world-class signing and that failure could end up having a disastrous effect on their ambitions during the next campaign.
Alexander Isak's new transfer stance could be disastrous for Arsenal
🚨 Alexander Isak wants to leave Newcastle United. Absence from Celtic friendly + Asia tour 25yo’s preference. #NUFC keen for Sweden international striker to stay on improved deal but also exploring potential replacements @TheAthleticFC after @CraigHope_DM https://t.co/G0iGNiJPrC
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) July 24, 2025
Multiple reports surfaced throughout Thursday claiming Isak wants to explore his options as he looks for a move away from Newcastle this summer. The Magpies are said to be keen on the Swede staying on an improved deal, but are also looking at potential replacements, including former Arsenal target Benjamin Sesko.
Now enter Liverpool. Despite links to Chelsea and Manchester United, Isak's most likely move would be to the Reds and he is said to be open to the possibility of moving to Merseyside. A potential switch to the North West would be simply disastrous for the Gunners.
Arne Slot led Liverpool to a Premier League title last season, condemning Arsenal to yet another second-place finish. The failure to win the league, or any trophy for that matter, has prompted the Gunners to spend big to improve an already brilliant squad this summer. The problem is that their title rivals have also decided to do so.
The champions have already splashed the cash throughout the transfer window, spending a reported £265million to bring the likes of Hugo Ekitike, Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong to Anfield. They've made plenty of additions to their squad and Isak would be the icing on the cake.
A move for the Swede would depend on a sale of Luis Diaz and Newcastle's stance, but it seems the Magpies could be willing to let him leave due to their exploration of possible replacements. If Liverpool do manage to sign him, they would be overwhelming favourites to win the league once again next season.
Arsenal have also made brilliant additions to their side and Gyokeres will bring the much-needed threat in front of goal, but you have to say if Isak does join Liverpool, then they will arguably have more of the 'whole package'.
The Magpies forward has shone since first moving to England three years ago and he would not need time to adapt in Slot's side. He would lead an attack that will likely include a red-hot Mohamed Salah, Cody Gakpo and Ekitike, and that's a forward line that would be very difficult to compete with at the top of the league.
The Gunners will certainly put up a good fight, but I just have a terrible feeling that if Liverpool do manage to add Isak to their squad, then they will have it easy next season. Gyokeres is a great addition and should help Arsenal fight for the title, but he will be going neck-and-neck with a well-established world-class Premier League striker.
Isak has always been the Gunners' top priority at striker, but it was always deemed practically impossible to pry him away from Newcastle, prompting them to look elsewhere, eventually signing Gyokeres.
It is incredibly frustrating they couldn't get their hands on him as his established brilliance would have made them the deadliest side in the league and likely assured them as title favourites. They had the budget, but it seemed easier to opt for the fellow Swede. If only Isak wanted to leave a month ago.
There is of course no guarantee that Isak will sign for Liverpool as it does depend on various circumstances. However, if he does, it could have a disastrous impact on Arsenal's ambitions next season as they will find it very hard to get one over on a side that will have such brilliance in every single department. Arteta's side could have an even tougher challenge than first expected on their hands.