Mikel Arteta’s top transfer target for Arsenal ‘simply not available’ this January
The Gunners will have to look elsewhere for attacking reinforcements.
Newcastle star Alexander Isak is ‘simply not available’ and Arsenal must look elsewhere if they are to sign a striker before the January transfer deadline.
That’s according to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, who gave his thoughts on Arsenal’s transfer dealings this afternoon, a day on from the Gunners’ nervy victory over Wolves with only ten men on the field.
Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Arsenal are actively looking to bring in attacking reinforcements in light of Gabriel Jesus devastating knee injury, which has ruled the Brazilian out of the remainder of the season.
The north Londoners are exploring a number of possible avenues heading into the final week of the window and several high-profile forwards are being linked with moves to the Emirates.
While Arsenal are known to be admirers of Benjamin Sesko, it’s understood RB Leipzig have next to no interest in cashing in on their prized possession midway through the campaign.
The likes of Bryan Mbeumo, Yoane Wissa and Jhon Duran are also believed to be on Arsenal’s radar, but it’s a similar story regarding the Premier League trio, with January moves appearing extremely unlikely.
Considering Isak’s phenomenal start to the Premier League season, it should come as no surprise to anyone that the Swede sits right at the top of Arsenal’s transfer wishlist.
A double in Newcastle’s comeback win at Southampton this weekend took Isak’s tally to 19 goals in all competitions this term, further intensifying calls for Arsenal to make a bid for the 25-year-old.
‘We know that Mikel Arteta’s top target overall is Alexander Isak of Newcastle United,’ Ornstein told NBC Sports of Arsenal’s interest in the Sweden international.
‘But he’s simply not available and Newcastle intend to renew his contract to keep hold of him.
‘Benjamin Sesko at RB Leipzig is not going to be moving in this window. Let’s see what happens on that in the summer.’
While Ornstein doubts Arsenal will snap up one of Isak or Sesko, he does expect the club to strengthen up front before the transfer window closes for business.
‘I think they will do something,’ he added.
‘I don’t know for sure but that’s my sense because work is ongoing inside the club to explore their various options, to bring in somebody that Mikel Arteta feels is the right one.
‘They will have preferences. There are all manner of factors involved in these decisions, in terms of the players that they want, the style of play, the finances involved, whether the player wants to come, whether the club is willing to do business with Arsenal on a loan or a permanent basis.’
Isak has three-and-a-half years remaining on his current contract at St James’ Park and is reportedly valued at around £150million by the Mapgies.
Speaking after Isak’s brace against Southampton, Alan Shearer argued that the former Real Sociedad man had ‘played himself’ into the ‘world-class’ bracket alongside the likes of Erling Haaland and Mohamed Salah.
‘I think there are three world-class forwards in the Premier League now,’ the legendary ex-England and Newcastle striker said on Match of the Day.
‘Haaland being one, Salah being another and I think Isak has played himself into that company now.’
Eddie Howe has repeatedly underlined that Isak is not for sale and, speaking at a press conference last week, the Newcastle boss urged the striker try to ignore the incessant speculation over his future.
‘When he’s got the technical skills that he has it’s absolutely huge that we don’t ask him to be too central and static,’ Howe told reporters.
‘We need him on the ball, we want him on the ball as much as we can in the attacking third so he does have license and freedom within our structure to go and get the ball.
Asked whether Isak is the most sought-after striker in Europe, with the likes of Arsenal, Manchester United and Barcelona linked, Howe replied: ‘Everyone tells me he is, everyone tells me he is! But I think he’s enjoying his football.
‘We’re loving having him here, we love working with him. All I would urge him to do is focus on the next game.’
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