Liverpool’s move for Hugo Ekitike could be the catalyst for Arsenal and Newcastle to resolve their own striker issues. Ekitke is due to join the Reds in a big-money move from Eintracht Frankfurt, despite being strongly linked with Newcastle only several weeks ago.
A new No. 9 was high on the agendas of Liverpool and Arsenal, while Alexander Isak’s future at Newcastle remains uncertain. With Liverpool close to solving their own problem with the addition of Ekitike, Arsenal may decide that they have the perfect chance to sign Isak. The Swede was widely linked with Liverpool before they moved on to their new target.
Arsenal seem to have stalled with a switch for Viktor Gyokeres, whose move from Sporting remains uncertain. The Gunners can use the impasse to test Newcastle’s resolve over Isak.
The Magpies reportedly want nine figures for the 25-year-old, who fired them to Carabao Cup success and Champions League qualification last season. He would solve Arsenal’s lack of firepower and make them genuine contenders for the Premier League title.
As the missing piece in Mikel Arteta’s jigsaw, Isak would complement Arsenal’s other attacking players and score the goals that Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus have failed to provide as the No. 9s. The North Londoners should therefore make a serious attempt to sign the Newcastle star in a move that would be mutually beneficial.
While they would be losing their best player, Newcastle would receive a fee big enough to reinvest into another of Europe’s top strikers and still strengthen other areas of Eddie Howe’s squad. Benjamin Sesko remains available, having failed to find a route out of RB Leipzig this summer. Newcastle could attempt to sign the Slovenian ahead of their return to the Champions League.
A move for Isak could be Arsenal’s best hope of finally landing a first Premier League title in 21 years. Deals for Martin Zubimendi and Noni Madueke have already improved Arteta’s squad. The potential arrival of Isak would propel Arsenal among Liverpool and Manchester City.
Ekitike is one of Europe’s hottest talents, but Isak remains the better player at this stage of his career. A possible move to Arsenal would mean that the Gunners have the best striker in the league and a major advantage in their Premier League title race.