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David Ornstein: Arsenal chasing Alexander Isak

By on January 24, 2022

According to The Athletic journalist David Ornstein, Arsenal are pursuing a potential deal to sign Real Sociedad forward Alexander Isak after growing frustrated in attempts to land Dusan Vlahovic.

Mikel Arteta is desperately trying to strengthen his squad before the end of the month and Arsenal’s need for a striker was exemplified once again during Sunday’s disappointing 0-0 draw with Burnley at the Emirates. It’s now four games in all competitions without a goal for Arsenal, which isn’t good enough.

With Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang frozen out by Arteta for the last couple of months, Alexandre Lacazette has been Arsenal’s main striker with Eddie Nketiah acting as back-up. Both Laca and Nketiah are expected to leave the club when their contracts expire in June so it’s safe to say Arsenal’s striking options are a complete mess right now.

We urgently need to bring in another forward if we’re to challenge for the top four this season and Fiorentina hitman Vlahovic has been widely touted as Arsenal’s prime target in the media in recent weeks.

However, we’ve struggled to make any clear progress in our pursuit amid rumours Vlahovic is waiting to join Juventus in the summer so Ornstein claims there are doubts as to whether Arsenal will succeed in luring the Serbian to the Emirates this month.

The renowned Athletic journalist says the Gunners are now ‘actively’ working on alternative options such as Isak as Arteta looks to bring in a top class striker before the window closes on January 31st.

Isak has a release clause – reportedly set at £75m – but Ornstein says Arsenal will attempt to negotiate a lower price. It remains to be seen what kind of money Real Sociedad would be willing to accept but it’s highly unlikely we’ll pay close to £75m for Isak, so the Spaniard’s will need to be realistic if a deal is to be done.

The 22-year-old has developed into one of the most exciting young talents in La Liga since joining Sociedad in 2019 and he’s netted eight times in his 25 appearances in all competitions this season.

The Swedish international is a huge talent who has the ability to develop further but he’s certainly not the finished article. Would his arrival be enough to help Arsenal snatch fourth this season? I have my doubts, but he should be a good long-term addition if we end up buying him.