Arsenal legend Ian Wright is concerned that Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak may reject a move to the Emirates in favor of joining Premier League rivals Liverpool.
With Arsenal in desperate need of attacking reinforcements, Isak has emerged as Mikel Arteta’s dream signing, but competition for his signature is fierce.
Arsenal’s Striker Crisis and Interest in Isak
The Gunners’ need for a top-class striker has become even more urgent following long-term injuries to Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz.
Arsenal already looked short up top, and their failure to sign a new forward during the January transfer window has only exacerbated the problem.
Isak has been in sensational form for Newcastle, scoring 19 goals in 24 Premier League appearances this season.
Arsenal have been deterred by Newcastle’s valuation, which exceeds £120 million. However, with another potential title challenge slipping away, the North London club may be forced to reconsider their stance and go all-in for the Swedish striker this summer.
Two goals in two minutes for Alex Isak! ⚡️ pic.twitter.com/Ex1pCyh8RI
— Newcastle United (@NUFC) February 23, 2025
Ian Wright Fears Isak Would Choose Liverpool
Arsenal are not the only club interested in signing Isak. Premier League giants Chelsea, Manchester United, and Liverpool are all said to be keeping a close eye on the situation.
Liverpool, in particular, could prove to be Arsenal’s biggest competition, with the Reds on track to win their 20th league title.
Wright has admitted he would be “devastated” if the club failed to land Isak. Speaking on The Overlap with Sky Bet, Wright emphasised that Arsenal must do everything in their power to sign him.
“With what Alexander Isak has done and who he is, I would buy him for £120m, no danger,” Wright said. “If we could get him, you need to chase that. I would be devastated if Arsenal weren’t in for him.”
When asked whether Isak would prefer Arsenal or Liverpool, Wright was less optimistic about Arsenal’s chances.
“He would probably go to Liverpool,” he admitted. “I’d like to think Mikel Arteta could convince him, but look at Liverpool and Arne Slot. That seems like a more attractive proposition. Arsenal will need to do the work.”
Wright is not alone either. Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes recently said that he thinks Isak is “bigger and better” than Arsenal and could even move to Real Madrid.
🚨 Stick to Football 72 🚨
🤩 Salah On Messi Levels
👀 Where Are All The Strikers?
🫣 Man United A Mess!
😡 Bruno’s Talent Not Enough
🏆 The Title Race Is OverWatch now on YouTube or listen on all major podcast platforms! pic.twitter.com/L69HMcj3t4
— The Overlap (@WeAreTheOverlap) February 27, 2025
Newcastle’s Stance on Isak’s Future
Newcastle, currently sitting sixth in the Premier League, are determined to keep hold of their star striker.
Their hopes of retaining Isak would be significantly boosted if they secured Champions League qualification.
The Magpies are also targeting silverware, with a Carabao Cup final against Liverpool in March looming.
Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher believes that while Newcastle’s high valuation might deter some clubs, Liverpool would be willing to match it.
“Arsenal and Liverpool will both be in the market for a new striker,” Carragher noted. “Would anyone be willing to go to £120-130m?
“He’s got three years on his contract, so he’s not going to go for nothing anytime soon.”
Carragher also pointed out that Liverpool had previously bid £110 million for Moises Caicedo before he joined Chelsea, showing that they are not afraid to splash the cash on the right player.
