Why Arsenal should not target Alexander Isak this summer

Arsenal are set to prioritise a move for Alexander Isak this summer and there are reasons for this. However, there is one key factor that the Gunners must take into account in their pursuit of the Sweden international, and realistically, this should change their stance.

Since joining Newcastle United in 2022, Isak has been a consistent performer in the Premier League but has also struggled with injuries. His poor fitness record should really make Arsenal think twice before they make Isak their genuine priority.

Why Arsenal shouldn't target Alexander Isak this summer

Alexander Isak has missed a total of 26 matches through injury since joining Newcastle United. While it's not as high as some, it is a worrying amount.

Ten of these games have come this season over two separate spells out. Both of these spells on the sidelines were due to groin injuries, which does prompt the worry that he could be suffering from a recurring issue.

Arsenal really should not be targeting a striker who could have a recurring injury problem considering current number nine Gabriel Jesus has also struggled since joining the club. It can be assumed that with Eddie Nketiah reported to be leaving the club, Isak will come in as the club's first choice striker with Jesus as a back-up.

To many Arsenal fans, having Alexander Isak and Gabriel Jesus as the club's two main striker options may sound great but it would also be a duo constantly thwarted by injuries. Given that the Gunners have struggled with scoring at times this season due to the lack of a natural striker, signing an injury prone option does not seem the brightest idea.

There is no doubt that Gabriel Jesus is not a natural goalscorer, having even admitted so himself, and is better suited to a more creative role so there could be ways around Isak joining the club. If Mikel Arteta was to begin using the Brazilian in wide positions rather than up front, it would allow for Nketiah to stay at the club or even another striker to be brought in alongside Isak.

That method seems to be the only logical way that would allow Isak to join the club. Even still, if Nketiah was kept as the back-up striker option, his consistency in front of goal would be a worry to fans if Isak was to pick up any injury. No matter if there was a way around the Swede's injury problems, it would seem wise for Arsenal to pursue another less injury prone option. While Alexander Isak is a top quality striker, Arsenal should not make him their priority target for the summer transfer window.

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