The Daily Mail examines Arsenal’s reasons for not signing Alexander Isak, highlighting financial constraints, strategic recruitment decisions, and the transformative potential the striker could bring to the team.
The Daily Mail, in an article by Chief Football Reporter Sami Mokbel, delves into why Arsenal did not sign Alexander Isak, despite his clear potential to transform the team and first being linked back in 2016.
The piece explores Arsenal’s summer 2023 transfer priorities and financial constraints, contextualising their decision to avoid pursuing Isak, who would have cost upwards of £100m.
The article outlines that Arsenal’s recruitment team instead focused on other targets, such as Benjamin Sesko and Ivan Toney, but ultimately opted not to finalise deals due to concerns about squad balance, costs, and player development.
Sesko reportedly turned Arsenal down over fears of limited opportunities, while Toney’s move was deemed unsuitable for a variety of reasons, including his personality.
According to the Daily Mail, Arsenal’s financial strategy also played a pivotal role.
The club spent nearly £200m on Kai Havertz, Declan Rice, and Jurrien Timber in 2023 and over £100m on Mikel Merino, Riccardo Calafiori, and turning David Raya’s loan into a permanent deal the following summer.
These expenditures were offset by £70m in player sales, but the financial outlay left little room to pursue a marquee forward like Isak.
Despite those decisions, Arsenal still registered 91 goals in the Premier League last season, with multiple players—including Bukayo Saka, Havertz, and Leandro Trossard—scoring in double digits.
This team-wide contribution appeared to justify the club’s decision not to spend heavily on a single forward, even as Mikel Arteta sought to integrate a dynamic and fluid attacking line.
However, Mokbel notes, Isak’s recent performances have amplified Arsenal’s lack of an out-and-out goalscorer. The Newcastle United forward, who has netted 15 goals this season, including 10 in his last nine matches, punished Arsenal during their 2-0 Carabao Cup semi-final loss at the Emirates.
The Daily Mail argues that Isak’s price tag—likely well exceeding £100m—remains a barrier to any deal, particularly if Newcastle continue their upward trajectory. However, Arsenal’s willingness to pay such a figure for Declan Rice suggests the Gunners are open to such a fee if they view a player as transformative.
Mokbel concludes that while Arsenal’s recruitment logic is clear, football often defies such logic. The decision not to prioritise Isak may haunt Arsenal, particularly as their need for a clinical forward becomes increasingly apparent.
Arsenal are likely to revisit their interest in the Swedish international in the summer, but Newcastle’s position of strength—bolstered by Isak’s contract running until 2028—means any deal will likely require substantial negotiation and an even higher fee than they were quoted in the years they have been previously linked.
For now, Arteta and Arsenal must make do with their current squad, managing injuries to players while navigating the consequences of their previous recruitment decisions that, despite the need for a clinical finisher, sees them sit as the second highest scorers in the Premier League.