Arsenal are actively exploring Real Sociedad’s Alexander Isak as an alternative signing to Dusan Vlahovic, according to a report.

David Ornstein reports for The Athletic that given the doubts around Arsenal’s ability to complete a deal for Dusan Vlahovic this month, the Gunners are actively exploring alternative options.

One of those options is Alexander Isak of Real Sociedad. The player has a release clause in his contract, though sources suggest that Arsenal would try to negotiate a lower price in Isak’s case.

That’s not exactly surprising, given Isak’s release clause is reportedly set at €90m (£75m).

Though you tend to need to spend big to land a top striker nowadays, that seems particularly high for a player with only a few league goals from open play this season.

Before this campaign, 22-year-old Isak seemed to be heading on a positive trajectory with Sociedad. He scored nine league goals in his debut campaign (16 in all competitions) and 17 league goals in his second season.

But as we approach February, the Swedish international is only up to four league goals this time around. That tally doubles to eight in all competitions, but it’s still not really a £75m total.

Still, that’s not to say Isak would be a bad signing. Though his goals may have dried up a little, the striker’s underlying numbers suggest he’s still a player with a lot of potential.

Like Vlahovic, Isak already has a lot of experience for his young age, so he fits the profile Arsenal have been recruiting from in the last couple of windows.

Isak also might not be the only other target on the list. The Athletic article suggested Arsenal had multiple alternative options, and Isak is just one of those.

So if they can’t negotiate the price down to a level more fitting of the player’s current status, the Gunners may move on to other targets.