What would the signing of Alexander Isak mean for the rest of the Arsenal squad?

 
Alexander Isak

What would the signing of Alexander Isak mean for the rest of the Arsenal squad? 

 By Jonny Bray

Arsenal have emerged as one of the favourites to sign Swedish sensation Alexander Isak from Real Sociedad.  

The 21-year-old striker reportedly has a £60million release clause in his Sociedad contract, having signed for the Spanish side from Borussia Dortmund after a prolific loan spell at Dutch side Willem II.  

Isak scored 13 goals in 16 appearances in The Netherlands, and the Swede continued to go from strength to strength after his transfer to Spain.  

He scored nine league goals in 37 appearances in his first season with Sociedad but came into his own during his second season at the club, scoring 17 goals in 34 appearances.  

Despite his young age, he also already has 25 caps for Sweden with a solid return of 6 goals in a team that’s drawn comparisons to the low scoring Crystal Palace side Roy Hodgson put together over the last three years.  

In short, he’s an exciting prospect who could offer an option up front for many years to come, but what would his signing mean for the rest of the Arsenal squad?  

Isak has played 227 minutes at Euro 2020 so far across three matches but is yet to score or get an assist.  
 

What will it mean for Eddie Nketiah?  

 

Isak’s arrival at Arsenal would almost certainly signal the end of Eddie Nketiah’s time at the club after rising through the academy to reach the first team during the 2017-18 season.  

The 22-year-old striker would probably be the first casualty were a new forward to join the club this summer after a difficult season at the Emirates.  

Nketiah has been criticised for his sloppy finishing, but not for his work rate and passion for the club, both of which are always on full display when he plays for the Gunners.  

He has been linked with a move to West Ham, who sold Sebastien Haller to Ajax in January but opted to wait before finding the right replacement.  

Due to Isak’s hefty release clause, the amount Arsenal will receive if they were to sell Nketiah is vital, and it is fair to say his sell-on value is not at its highest as things stand.  

The disappointment of expensive youngsters such as Rhian Brewster at Sheffield United has shown smaller clubs that spending over £15m on unproven young players can be risky.  

Furthermore, Nketiah’s record of three goals in 17 appearances at Leeds United during his season-long loan spell was disappointing and will sow seeds of doubt in the minds of any Championship manager thinking of spending big money on him this summer.  

 

What will it mean for Arsenal?  

 

Isak is an incredibly well rounded forward.  

He’s quick, recording a top speed of 32km/h at Euro 2020, he’s an imposing figure at 6ft4in and has a fantastic first touch that any top player would be jealous of.  

If the Gunners can secure his signature, it would also be a boost for the club in the transfer market, as they would have to beat several top sides including Real Madrid to the Swedish international’s signature.  

His arrival could also get Alexandre Lacazette, 30, and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, 32, firing again after disappointing seasons in front of goal.  

He fits Mikel Arteta’s playing style far better than Aubameyang.  

With the two forwards now entering the back end of their careers, now could be a good time to look to the future.  

 

Would it be a good signing?  

 

In one word, yes.  

Isak is clearly talented, clearly rated by several of the top clubs in Europe and arguably the root cause of much of what Sweden have done well at this summer’s Euros.  

However, once you look past these superficial positive signs there are aspects of the transfer that should act as red flags for Arsenal.  

Firstly, there’s the experience of the last player Arsenal signed from La Liga, Lucas Perez.  

Arsenal signed the Spaniard from Deportivo La Coruna, but he only managed one goal in 11 appearances for Arsenal.  

Combine that with an astronomical £60m release clause and suddenly Isak looks like quite a substantial risk, especially for Arsenal who genuinely cannot afford to get another big transfer wrong.  

Arsenal need guaranteed returns on their investments immediately if they’re going to rise up the table after a disappointing season. 

Isak is many things, but he is not that guarantee, while his transfer fee would take a huge chunk out of Arteta’s summer war chest. 

If purchased as part of a wider transfer strategy which aims to improve the squad in several different areas, then it’s clear Isak would be a great addition.  

However, if bought as the answer to all of Arsenal’s problems then it’s clear that most fans will wind up being disappointed.  

Image Credit: Getty Images


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