ARSENAL has been advised to “invest heavily” in Newcastle forward Alexander Isak, who currently has a price tag of £150 million.

The Gunners were stunned by alarming reports that their standout player Bukayo Saka will miss more than two months following surgery for a torn hamstring.

Acquiring Alexander Isak would undoubtedly shatter the Premier League transfer record

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Acquiring Alexander Isak would undoubtedly shatter the Premier League transfer recordCredit: Rex
Arsenal could be without key attacker Bukayo Saka until March

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Arsenal could be without key attacker Bukayo Saka until MarchCredit: Getty

Former player and analyst Paul Merson, who won two league titles with Arsenal, believes that securing the 25-year-old Swede from Newcastle is crucial for their title race.

Merson argues that Isak would be a better investment than Manchester City’s record-breaking scorer, Erling Haaland.

In excellent form, Isak has netted 12 goals in his last 13 outings.

Merson remarked: “If I were in charge at Arsenal, I’d make a major push to sign Isak. I wouldn’t hold back on spending. He is among the best and can greatly enhance Arsenal’s capabilities. Bringing in Isak, who is firing on all cylinders, would represent a significant signing.”

When asked if he would prefer Isak over Haaland, Merson, now 56, stated to Sky Sports: “I’d opt for Isak based on how Arsenal functions.”

The manager of Newcastle, Eddie Howe, invested £63 million to sign Isak from Real Sociedad in August 2022, but the club now values him at a staggering £150 million.

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Merson, a former England international with two league titles, the European Cup Winners’ Cup, an FA Cup, and a League Cup during his 12-year tenure at Arsenal, added: “If Gabriel Jesus keeps delivering, Arsenal might not require an additional striker.

“Yet, examining the broader context and looking ahead to next season, Isak would be a tremendous addition.”

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After a tough patch where he scored just once in 33 matches, Brazilian striker Jesus has found his form again with six goals in his last four games, including one in Wednesday’s 3-1 win against Brentford.

Gunners manager Mikel Arteta conceded that the team may pursue ways to bolster their injury-riddled squad this month.

However, Newcastle is determined to keep Isak, with Howe hoping that the allure of European football next season will entice the striker to stay.

In a twist of fate, Arsenal will go up against Newcastle on Tuesday in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final.

Merson further commented: “I applaud that Jesus has returned to the squad and stated he will focus on getting into the box to score. It’s crucial for him to score if he aims to stay part of the team.”

“He has done just that. His goal against Brentford was a textbook poacher’s goal. It’s rare to see him in the six-yard box scoring goals.”

Arsenal’s leading scorer, Kai Havertz, missed the match against Brentford due to illness.

Merson wrapped up with: “When Kai returns, he will probably be pushed into midfield.

“But as a forward, Havertz naturally gets into the box, providing an extra attacking threat.”

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