Arsenal have long admired Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak, but recent developments confirm that the Gunners have officially moved on from the Swedish international—despite acknowledging his immense talent. Instead, they secured the signature of Sporting CP’s prolific frontman Viktor Gyökeres in a deal worth €63 million plus €10 million in add-ons.
Why Arsenal Considered Isak
Alexander Isak has emerged as one of the hottest attacking prospects in world football. Since joining Newcastle from Real Sociedad, the 25-year-old has scored an impressive 44 goals in 64 Premier League appearances and netted the winning goal in last season’s League Cup final against Liverpool—securing the Magpies’ first major domestic trophy in over 70 years.
His technical quality, pace, and intelligent movement drew praise from Arsenal legend Thierry Henry, who lauded the Swede for possessing the rare instincts of a traditional number nine. With Mikel Arteta’s side consistently falling just short in their title pursuits, many believed that Isak could be the missing piece in Arsenal’s attack.
Why Arsenal Walked Away
Despite their strong interest, Arsenal ultimately turned down the opportunity to sign Isak this summer. According to a detailed report by ESPN’s James Olley, two major factors influenced the decision:
1. Newcastle’s Stance on the Transfer
Arsenal’s hierarchy believed Newcastle were highly unlikely to sanction Isak’s departure—especially to a direct rival—without demanding an exorbitant fee. Reports suggest the Tyneside club rejected a £110 million bid from Liverpool, making it clear that any deal for Isak would require a similar, if not higher, offer.
2.Concerns Over Isak’s Fitness Record
The Gunners were also worried about the striker’s ability to stay fit over the course of a long season. Despite his undeniable quality, Isak has struggled with recurring minor injuries. Arsenal doubted whether he could consistently lead the line and justify a nine-figure price tag.
These concerns became even more relevant after Isak shocked Newcastle by withdrawing from their pre-season tour of Asia and returning to Real Sociedad for solo training. While the striker reportedly wants a move this summer, the timing of his request—after most elite clubs had already secured strikers—further complicated his situation.
Alternative Targets: Sesko and Gyökeres
Arsenal also considered RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Šeško, having scouted the Slovenian forward for over a year. However, early talks revealed a high valuation for a player still unproven at the top level, prompting Arsenal to step back due to the financial risk involved.
That left Viktor Gyökeres as the standout option. The Swedish striker scored a staggering 97 goals in 102 games for Sporting CP and impressed Arsenal scouts not only with his finishing but also his physicality and mental resilience. New sporting director Andrea Berta, who replaced Edu Gaspar in November, played a key role in finalizing the deal despite Sporting’s tough negotiating stance.
Gyökeres has since taken Arsenal’s iconic No. 14 shirt—famously worn by Thierry Henry—as the No. 9 remains vacant. He joined the team on their pre-season trip to Singapore and watched from the stands as Arsenal beat Newcastle 3-2, accompanied by club officials Tim Lewis and Richard Garlick.
Conclusion: Strategic Shift Over Sentiment
While Alexander Isak remains a top-tier striker with world-class potential, Arsenal’s decision not to pursue him was rooted in pragmatism. The club’s leadership opted for reliability and value over reputation. In Gyökeres, they believe they’ve found a forward who not only has the numbers but also the durability and mentality to lead the line in a title-challenging team.
Arsenal’s new transfer strategy—under Berta’s direction—reflects a shift toward efficient investments built on long-term reliability, rather than marquee names with uncertain availability.
