Kevin Nolan believes snapping up Newcastle striker Alexander Isak could be the final piece in the jigsaw for Arsenal in their attempts to win the Premier League title.
The Swedish international has been heavily linked with a switch to Emirates and, speaking about the Gunners’ chances of beating Manchester City to top spot next season, Nolan said signing Isak could make the difference:
“Isak at Newcastle is certainly another one. Them two (Isak and Toney) have been named quite regularly with Arsenal and them sort of being interested.”
“Mikel Arteta has done a fantastic job. I am sure the next one is the important one. They got Dec (Rice) last year, they need another one this year and then I think they could get close to Man City.”
Arsenal could be priced out of a move for Isak
Reports emerged last week that Newcastle are very reluctant to lose their No.9, who scored 25 goals in all competitions last season.
It has been suggested that the Magpies could demand upwards of £180m for Isak, which would certainly put off the Gunners from making a bid.
Are other strikers being targeted?
If Isak does prove to be out of reach, Mikel Arteta’s side have a number of alternatives lined up. Nolan does mention Brentford’s Ivan Toney but it is thought that interest in the 28-year-old has cooled.
Instead, it is believed that Arsenal are far more likely to go after RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko (who has a €65m/£55m release clause in his contract) or Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres.
Isak’s Swedish international teammate has had a phenomenal season in Portugal, having scored 43 goals and provided 15 assists in 50 appearances. He could, however, cost as much as £85m, with Sporting demanding that teams pay his buyout fee.
