Arsenal told to 'break the bank' for £75m player who can 'take them to another level'

Former Arsenal forward Paul Merson has urged the club to “break the bank” in and sign Alexander Isak from Newcastle. The Swedish international produced his latest eye-catching display at Manchester United on Monday, heading home the opener in his side’s 2-0 win.

The Gunners have been heavily linked with the 25-year-old, who is also said to be courting interest from the likes of United and Liverpool.

And now Merson has argued that despite the improved form of Gabriel Jesus, the Gunners should bid big for Isak.

“If I were Arsenal, and I had the money I’d go out any buy Isak,” he told Sky Sports News. “I’d break the bank for him. I think he’s the best of the best and I think he takes Arsenal to another level.

“I’m looking at the all-round picture and I’m looking at next season as well. I think if he can get hold of Isak, who I think is the best in the business at the moment, I think that will be a massive coup for Arsenal.”

Merson even said he would prefer to take Isak over Manchester City striker Erling Haaland at the moment. “The way Arsenal play I would have to go with Isak,” he added. “He probably suits Arsenal more than Haaland.”

According to CIES, Isak is currently valued at around £75million. And Newcastle are likely to try and hold out for a huge fee given he still has more than three years left to run on his current contract.

He’s reportedly told the north east club that he wants Champions League football in order to stay at St James’ Park. Despite winning four successive league games in a row, that notion is anything but guaranteed for Eddie Howe’s side given they currently lie fifth in the table.

On New Year’s Day, Arsenal beat Brentford 3-1 to cut Liverpool’s lead at the top to six points, although they have played a game more than their rivals. And despite his views on buying Isak, Merson did praise Jesus for his turnaround in form after again getting on the scoresheet.

“What I like about Jesus he’s got back in the team and he’s said ‘you know what I’m gonna get in the box’,” he said. “’I need to score goals if I’m going to stay in this football team’. And that’s what he’s done. Now he’s got six in four and that goal yesterday was a proper poachers goal.”

Kai Havertz is currently Arsenal’s top league scorer in 2024/25 with seven goals. But there is now extra scrutiny on Arsenal’s attack amid the injury blow to Bukayo Saka, who is likely to be out until March after undergoing surgery for a hamstring problem.