‘Huge’ Reason Arsenal Should Go All Out for Alexander Isak Transfer Revealed

Ex-Gunners Striker Puts Newcastle Star at Same Level as Erling Haaland

There’s no denying it anymore—Arsenal are close. Agonizingly close. Three straight second-place finishes in the Premier League have shown that Mikel Arteta’s side is not lacking talent, belief, or ambition. But they might just be missing one thing: a clinical, consistent No.9. And if you ask former Gunners striker Paul Dickov, the answer to that missing piece is obvious—Alexander Isak.

The Swedish striker, currently dazzling crowds in black and white at Newcastle United, has emerged as the dream target for many Arsenal fans and pundits alike. And according to Dickov, the “huge” reason Arsenal should break the bank for him goes beyond just goals. It’s about the complete package.

Why Alexander Isak? Paul Dickov Breaks It Down

Speaking to partnership with Finnish sports site Parhaatkasinot.fi, Dickov didn’t hesitate when asked who he’d sign to lead the line at the Emirates. His answer was emphatic.

“Purely hypothetically, I would go for Isak. I don’t think they will be able to get him out of Newcastle, especially with the way Newcastle are and what they will be looking to do next season,” Dickov said. “But he’s got everything.”

That “everything” includes pace, movement, physicality, composure, Premier League pedigree, and the kind of intelligent link-up play that Arteta craves from his centre-forward. Dickov even went so far as to put Isak in elite company, adding:

“He’s up there with—completely different types of players—but [Erling] Haaland as one of the best No.9s in the world.”

A bold claim? Maybe. But it’s not as far-fetched as it sounds.

A Missing Piece in Arsenal’s Title Puzzle

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Arsenal haven’t been short on attacking options in recent years. Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz, and occasionally Leandro Trossard have all rotated in that central role. But none have truly made the position their own—at least not in the way a team trying to topple Manchester City needs.

Jesus brings incredible work rate and link-up play, but injuries and lack of finishing consistency have hampered his time in north London. Havertz improved as last season progressed, but still feels more like a hybrid No.10 than an out-and-out striker.

And as Dickov points out, that’s likely what’s held Arsenal back:

“There is no doubt that Arsenal just fell short over the last couple of years by not having that out-and-out No.9… The problem they’ve got is that there are not many out there of top quality.”

Isak vs. The Alternatives: Gyokeres, Sesko, Osimhen

During the summer transfer window of 2025, Arsenal have reportedly cast their net wide. From Victor Gyokeres to Benjamin Sesko to Victor Osimhen, all kinds of forwards have been linked with a move to the red side of north London.

But none check as many boxes as Alexander Isak.

Gyokeres has had a stunning season with Sporting, but adapting to the Premier League is never a guarantee—just ask the countless strikers who arrived with big reputations and left quietly. Sesko is still young and raw, while Osimhen would command a fee that could rival a small nation’s GDP.

Isak? He’s already here. Already tested. And already scoring.

The Numbers Don’t Lie

Since joining Newcastle from Real Sociedad in 2022, Isak has evolved into one of the Premier League’s most dynamic forwards. His blend of technical elegance and physical presence makes him a nightmare to defend.

Last season, despite some injury setbacks, he scored 21 league goals in 29 starts. That kind of output in a team not always dominating possession speaks volumes. And unlike many strikers, Isak doesn’t need a dozen chances to convert one. He’s efficient.

More importantly, his movement is a dream for a team like Arsenal, whose wingers—Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli—love cutting inside and need a striker who can drag defenders and create space.

A Price Worth Paying?

Here’s the elephant in the room: price. Newcastle are reportedly demanding £150 million (€176m) for Isak. That’s steep. Very steep. But that’s also the going rate for top-tier Premier League strikers, especially ones who are just 24 and only getting better.

Arsenal have been careful with their spending under Edu Gaspar and Arteta, preferring to build organically. But at some point, you have to take the plunge—especially if that final step is all that’s left between “almost” and “champions.”

As Dickov says:

“You could go and get 10–15 No.9s but not of the quality that you need… The players that they are being linked with look like proven goalscorers but at the same time, it’s a gamble spending a lot of money on somebody that doesn’t have Premier League experience.”

With Isak, you’re paying for the certainty. The known quantity. And in a league where margins are razor-thin, that matters.

Newcastle’s Dilemma: Keep or Sell?

Now, all of this depends on one major factor: Newcastle United. Will they even entertain offers?

On paper, the answer is no. They’re not in a position where they need to sell, and with Champions League football a key part of their future plans, keeping their best players is a priority.

But FFP concerns, squad reshuffling, and the potential of reinvesting that money could change things. If Arsenal come knocking with a structured deal that makes sense, Newcastle may at least pick up the phone.

What’s Next for Arsenal?

Alexander Isak Arsenal

Whether it’s Isak or someone else, the message is clear—Arsenal are all-in this season. After three years of “almost,” they now have the spine of a title-winning team. All that’s missing is that striker who turns 0–0 into 1–0 when it really counts.

And if Arteta and Edu believe that Isak is the man to do that, then they shouldn’t hesitate.

As Dickov sums it up:

“If it was my money and you could get him out, he’d be the one.”

Final Thoughts: Time to Be Bold?

It’s one thing to build a team capable of challenging. It’s another to finish the job. Arsenal have come a long way under Arteta, and the project has brought the fans back to life. But trophies are what cement legacies.

In Alexander Isak, Arsenal might just have the chance to sign the final piece of that puzzle. Yes, he’ll cost a fortune. Yes, Newcastle will fight to keep him. But if Arsenal are serious about breaking their 20-year title drought, this is the sort of transfer that makes a statement.

A “huge” statement.

And as far as gambles go, this one might just be worth every penny.