Arsenal want to sign ‘prime striker’ for next season, 2 candidates identified: Reports
Arsenal are looking to strengthen their strikers' department in the summer and have reportedly identified Newcastle's Alexander Isak and Ajax's Brian Brobbey as the main candidates.
The Gunners haven't received a sufficient goal tally from Gabriel Jesus this season, with the Brazilian netting only four times in 27 Premier League matches. This has led to the former Manchester City man even losing his starting spot, with Kai Havertz replacing Jesus in the role.
Given that the Germany international is not an out-and-out number nine, it seems reasonable that the Gunners are looking for a new striker. However, Havertz has done fairly well, having scored 13 league goals.
Now, the Independent believes that the north Londoners are looking to secure the services of either Isak or Brobbey (via @ltarsenal). The former of the two, who plies his trade at Newcastle United, has performed extremely well this campaign.
From 40 appearances across all competitions, the Magpies attacker has scored 25 goals and assisted two. A move to the Emirates would certainly be ideal for Isak, who would not only start but also give himself the chance to compete for top honors.
This season, Arsenal finished second in the league standings, only two points short of eventual winners Manchester City. They also performed well in the Champions League, where the Gunners were knocked out in the quarter-final stage by Bayern Munich.
Meanwhile, Brobbey has also enjoyed a successful goalscoring season with Ajax, where he's managed to net 22 times and provided assists on 12 occasions in 43 games.
Paul Merson claims Alexander Isak will take Arsenal to the next level
Pundit Paul Merson is of the opinion that a player of the profile of Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak would take Arsenal to the next level. A move for the Swedish forward is sure to cost the Gunners a fair bit, with the player having four years left on his current deal.
The Magpies themselves spent a reported £63 million to get Isak to St. James' Park in the summer of 2022. Speaking about Newcastle United potentially losing their players, Merson said (via GiveMeSport):
"They are a massive team, but I wouldn't be surprised if some of their stars moved on to win trophies. If Arsenal sign a striker like Isak, I think they go to another level."
However, a matter of concern over the last couple of seasons has been the striker's fitness. In all, he's missed 26 matches across competitions for club and country in the 2022/23 and 2023/24 seasons combined.