Why Arsenal Should Consider Alexander Isak as Their Key Striker for the Upcoming Season

As the January transfer window drew to a close, the absence of a signed striker for Arsenal was a concern that was bound to resurface in a significant way.

No one could have predicted that Kai Havertz would suffer an injury during the Gunners’ warm weather training camp in Dubai. However, with Gabriel Jesus sustaining a torn ACL in mid-January, it should have prompted Mikel Arteta and the club’s management to devise a strategy to secure a proven striker before the deadline.

The injury worries surrounding Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli shouldn’t have influenced their decision-making, especially since neither player, including Havertz, is a recognised centre-forward.

Looking at Leandro Trossard or Mikel Merino as temporary fixes only highlights the pressing needs facing the North London side.

As Arsenal prepared for their Champions League clash with PSV Eindhoven, a troubling statistic loomed for fans: Trossard had tallied just one goal and two assists in his eight UCL appearances this season, while Merino had produced no contributions whatsoever.

This might have suggested that the dynamic and youthful Ethan Nwaneri would need to step up in a more offensive capacity, a considerable burden for someone so young.

Yet, the previous concerns faded into the background following the Gunners’ remarkable 7-1 victory against the Dutch outfit, with Trossard, Merino, and Nwaneri all finding the net.

However, it’s crucial to remember that Arsenal still lacks a genuine centre-forward, as the other four goals came from two defenders (Jurrien Timber and Riccardo Calafiori) and a midfielder, Martin Odegaard.

One can only ponder how the season might have unfolded had the Arsenal hierarchy raided their funds to acquire a striker. Perhaps they would still be in close contention with Liverpool in the Premier League, rather than trailing by 13 points behind Arne Slot’s team.

A few names have emerged as potential signings, including Viktor Gyokeres, Benjamin Sesko, and Alexander Isak.

Though Newcastle haven’t experienced Champions League football this season, which might be a factor holding Isak back from agreeing to a long-term contract with the Magpies, his domestic form has been exceptional.

The Swede has netted 22 of Newcastle’s 62 goals across all competitions and has contributed five assists in his 31 appearances.

Isak has also displayed versatility on the pitch, scoring 15 goals with his right foot, four with his left, and three headers, hitting the woodwork four times as well. Crucially, for a side that prioritises ball movement, he has successfully completed 426 out of 567 passes and created 44 chances for teammates, including 12 big opportunities.

In terms of playing style, the 25-year-old is an ideal candidate for Arsenal. He is always on the move, effortlessly gliding across the field, and unlike many strikers, he has demonstrated a willingness to share the limelight, boasting eight successful through balls and 14 effective crosses.

There’s a touch of Thierry Henry in his approach—how he engages with defenders and his ability to deliver decisive plays.

Isak has scored with his right foot 15 times, once with his left, and netted three headers, while also hitting the woodwork on four occasions. With 426 successful passes from 567 attempts and 44 chances created for teammates—including 12 big chances—he would fit snugly into Arsenal’s style of play.

Stylistically, Isak is an exceptional match for Arsenal, as he is constantly on the move, darting across the pitch with ease. Unlike many strikers, his predilection for not being selfish is evident from his contributions, registering eight successful through balls and 14 effective crosses.

The way he carries himself on the field brings to mind Thierry Henry, showcasing skill when engaging with defenders and delivering key plays.

Isak finds himself at an ideal juncture in his career to make a significant impact at the Emirates Stadium. However, one potential obstacle for Arsenal remains the financial investment required; Newcastle forked out €70m for his services, and it wouldn’t be shocking if the Gunners were asked to pay nearly double that amount, considering Isak’s development on Tyneside.

Viktor Gyokeres: A Lethal Option for Mikel Arteta

Viktor Gyokeres has excelled primarily outside of England, yet he recorded an impressive 35 goals and eight assists during the 2024/25 season.

In contrast to Isak, Gyokeres brings a level of physicality and determination to his game, with 19 of his strikes resulting from counter-attacks while playing for Sporting CP.

He’s predominantly a right-footed finisher (making 32 of his 35 goals), and this could potentially make him easier to defend against in the top leagues.

Despite this, he has still found the net six times in Europe’s premier competition this season, achieving a conversion rate of 25% from 24 shots, on par with Isak.

Gyokeres is deadly from the penalty spot, having converted all 12 penalties taken, although he has also squandered 24 of the 54 big chances he has had this season.

As a forward who often plays off the shoulder of the last defender, Gyokeres may struggle to contribute in build-up play, which is vital for Arsenal’s style.

His 87.5% passing accuracy in the Portuguese league can be misleading, as it only applies to passes completed in his half. In the opponent’s half, that percentage drops to a concerning 69.3%, where he will need to provide significant value.

Benjamin Sesko: A Cost-Effective Alternative for Arsenal

Another striker that Arsenal has scouted for some time is Benjamin Sesko, with reports indicating potential interest as early as June 2024, hinting at a competitive race for the 21-year-old Slovenian.

Despite RB Leipzig scoring a mere eight goals in their eight Champions League matches—a group in which the Bundesliga side finished a lowly 32nd out of 36 teams—Sesko contributed half of that tally (four goals).

Additionally, he has netted 10 times in the current Bundesliga season, amounting to almost a quarter of his team’s total goals (39 so far). His shot efficiency is impressive, with 39 out of 76 total shots on target.

The majority of his goals this season have come from inside the box, scoring 15 out of 17 attempts, leading Arsenal to ponder whether they require a poacher or a striker who can offer more variety.

However, passing is not Sesko’s strong suit, which could pose a challenge for him at Arsenal.

His passing percentage is even worse than Gyokeres, with Sesko achieving a mere 67.3% completion rate in the Bundesliga. A recent match against Mainz highlighted his struggles, as he lost possession more times than he successfully found a teammate.

When considering his defensive contributions, Sesko falls short; he has only made 11 tackles all season, with just three successful ones. With Mikel Arteta instilling a collective mentality at Arsenal, these statistics would need serious improvement.

Ultimately, the current evidence suggests that Isak stands out as the most favourable candidate for a move to the Emirates. Regardless of factors like salary, contract duration, and the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules, whichever striker the Gunners unveil in the summer will indeed reflect their aspirations for the 2025/26 season.