2 reasons why Arsenal should forget about signing Alexander Isak

One small comfort from Wednesday night: Arsenal do not have to face Alexander Isak – or Newcastle for that matter – again until 18th May (imagine if the title is still on the line by that point!).

Both Isak and the Toon were at their brilliant best in the Carabao Cup semi-finals, producing a clinical display which only stressed the world-class talent of Isak and the lack of any true equivalent amongst the Gunners squad.

Perhaps worse than the loss, this match will prompt fresh debate on our need for firepower and how the Swede should rank top of any summer hit list. Here is the cold hard truth on that matter: the ship has sailed and Arsenal fans must forget about signing Isak.

Why Arsenal should forget about the idea of signing Alexander Isak

It is a hard one to swallow, but here are two reasons why an Emirates Stadium switch is highly unlikely.

Reason #1: Almost impossible to buy him

Though everyone has a price, the tag on Isak is astronomical and almost no amount of 'ambition' can justify any continued interest.

The 25-year-old is contracted until 2028 and some reports indicate Newcastle want to offer him fresh terms very soon. Furthermore, Eddie Howe’s men are in contention for a Champions League spot and they will have neither interest nor reason to sell him if a return to top-level European competition is secured in May.

Add into the mix how Arsenal are a Premier League rival and, suddenly, a deal for Isak looks nigh-on impossible, with only something close to a new world-record fee likely to even tempt Newcastle into negotiations – whether they have UCL football or not.  

Whatever the sum is (£150m? £200m? More?), it will be a crazy amount that no sane person would ever commit to. Consider, too, how the Gunners have other areas to strengthen including the wings and midfield and then the prospect of a world-record outlay on just ONE player is made to look even more preposterous.

It is a nice idea, but the time to buy was in 2022.  

Reason #2: All eggs are in the Benjamin Sesko basket

Both Arsenal and myself are still beating the Benjamin Sesko drum.

It is well established that he is our main offensive target and, while he opted to stay at RB Leipzig last year, many believe Sesko did so for his short-term development and will move on to fresh pastures in the upcoming summer.

As per The Athletic, Arsenal have done the groundwork on a Sesko deal and he ticks a lot of the same boxes as Isak: he boasts lightning pace, great technical ability and an extraordinary, powerful shot on either foot.

The 21-year-old is also an excellent ball-carrier and is very nimble despite his near 6ft 4in frame, with his 17 goal contributions in 29 matches – similar to Kai Havertz’s numbers this term – then indicating he can be both a long-term option and also make an immediate impact.

Of course, he will probably need time to adapt and he is not the finished product – operating as the focal point or against low blocks could take some getting used to. But he already brings so much to the table that we do not have and, though he will not come cheap, any deal will likely be less than £100m.

Sesko is the one Mikel Arteta wants and, crucially, he is the one Arsenal could actually get – unlike Isak.       

READ THE LATEST ARSENAL NEWS HERE!