Arsenal prepares record-breaking £100M bid for Isak

• Arsenal is reportedly prepared to submit a £100 million bid to Newcastle for Swedish striker Alexander Isak
• The Gunners are now prioritising a proven Premier League goal-scorer, as they lack a clinical finisher for critical moments in the title race
• With Isak contracted to Newcastle until 2028, manager Eddie Howe mentions the complexities in negotiating any potential transfer

Arsenal appears ready to stir the waters again in the January transfer market, as they reportedly prepare a substantial £100 million bid for Newcastle United’s prolific Swedish striker, Alexander Isak. 

Since joining Newcastle in 2022 for £63 million from Real Sociedad, Isak has scored an impressive 36 goals in 74 appearances, yet his form this season has shown signs of waning, with only one goal so far. Arsenal, however, is keen to still add his talent to an already potent squad.

With the summer transfer window falling short of expectations for a new striker where Arsenal has explored all possible options to secure a clinical centre-forward. They had eyed Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig, but after the young star signed a new deal to stay at the Bundesliga club, Arsenal concluded the summer window without a signing up front. 

Now, with the inclusion of Mikel Merino in midfield allowing Arteta to field Kai Havertz as a striker, the Gunners are pursuing Isak as a permanent solution.

According to Daily Mail, the club is preparing to launch a €120 million (£100 million) offer to bring Isak to North London in January. The move would not only be one of the club’s most high-profile transfers but also potentially break their previous transfer record of £105 million, set when Declan Rice joined from West Ham United in 2023. 

Coach Arteta and Arsenal’s sporting director, Edu, have reportedly identified Isak as the ideal piece to complement their attack and believe he could provide the team with the extra firepower needed for a title push.

While Arsenal has had no shortage of goals this season, with 15 in just eight Premier League games, questions remain over their ability to find a clinical, last-minute finisher in crucial matches. Isak, with his height, speed, and technical prowess, is seen as the striker who could bridge that gap. Arteta reportedly hopes that the addition of Isak would inject a breath of fresh air into the team and elevate the overall quality of the squad.

However, Newcastle United’s manager, Eddie Howe, has commented on the “unique contractual situation” surrounding Isak. Howe stated on Saturday, October 26, that,

 “It’s a slightly more complex situation, contracts aren’t my daily responsibility, but with Alex, he’s on a long-term deal here. We have to be cautious with our spending because of profit and sustainability rules (PSR). It’s not as simple as it seems.” 

While Isak is tied to Newcastle until 2028, Arsenal’s substantial offer might present Newcastle with a significant financial decision to make as it would mark the club’s most expensive sale.

If Arsenal succeeds in securing Isak, it would be a landmark move both for them and for Newcastle, who would receive a record fee for one of their standout players.

Transfer round-up: Issues surrounding Arsenal’s new signing, Riccardo Calafiori

Previously, TheRadar reported that Premier League side Arsenal FC were not the only club in the race for the versatile defender, other European giants like Juventus, Real Madrid and the Premier League side, Chelsea were also in contact with the player’s representative. 

The 22-year-old was, however, more convinced with Mikel Arteta’s project. Arsenal fans have been well over the moon following the announcement of their latest signing.