Why Arsenal Should Consider Alexander Isak as Their Main Striker for Next Season

As the January transfer window came to a close, it was evident that Arsenal’s failure to secure a striker could have significant repercussions.

While few could have predicted Kai Havertz’s injury during the Gunners’ warm-weather training camp in Dubai, Gabriel Jesus tearing his ACL in mid-January should have compelled Mikel Arteta and the club’s management to come together and devise a strategy for bringing in a recognised striker before the deadline.

Concerns over the fitness of Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli should not have swayed their decision-making, especially as neither of them, alongside Havertz, is a traditional centre-forward.

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

In fact, prior to Arsenal’s Champions League clash with PSV Eindhoven, a concerning statistic for supporters was that Trossard had managed only one goal and two assists in his eight UCL appearances this season, while Merino had not contributed at all.

This might have thrust the talented teenager Ethan Nwaneri into a more central attacking role, which places an enormous amount of pressure on such young shoulders.

However, all doubts appeared to dissipate following the Gunners’ stunning 7-1 victory over the Dutch team, where Trossard, Merino, and Nwaneri all found the back of the net.

Nonetheless, it’s crucial to remember that Arsenal still lack a genuine centre-forward, with their remaining goals coming from two defenders, Jurrien Timber and Riccardo Calafiori, and midfielder Martin Odegaard.

Imagine how different the situation might look if the Arsenal hierarchy had opted to delve into the transfer funds and acquire a striker, potentially keeping them within striking distance of Liverpool in the Premier League rather than trailing 13 points behind Arne Slot’s squad.

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

Despite Newcastle missing out on Champions League action this season—possibly a factor that’s making Isak hesitant to sign a new long-term deal with the Magpies—his domestic form has been outstanding.

The Swedish forward has netted 22 of Newcastle’s 62 goals in all competitions, contributing five assists across 31 matches.

In his campaign, he has scored 15 goals with his right foot, four with his left, and three from headers, while also hitting the woodwork four times.

Crucially, given Arsenal’s penchant for playing intricate football, he has succeeded in 426 of his 567 passes and created 44 chances (including twelve big chances) within the squad.

At 25 years old, Isak’s dynamic playing style makes him an excellent fit for Arsenal. He is constantly on the move, effortlessly weaving through defenders, and unlike many centre-forwards, he demonstrates a readiness to involve team-mates, as evidenced by his eight successful through balls and 14 accurate crosses.

There’s a resemblance to Thierry Henry in his playing style, his interactions with opponents, and his finishing ability.

Isak is at a crucial point in his career that could see him flourish at the Emirates Stadium; however, the challenge for Arsenal may lie in the financial aspect. Newcastle forked out €70m for him, so it would not be surprising if the Gunners ended up paying around double that amount, given his impressive development while at St. James’ Park.

Viktor Gyokeres: A Lethal Option for Mikel Arteta

Much of Viktor Gyokeres’ most notable work has been performed outside of England, yet registering 35 goals and eight assists during the 24/25 season is still an impressive return from the 26-year-old.

In contrast to Isak, Gyokeres relies on brute strength and determination, with 19 of his goals arising from counter-attacks executed by Sporting CP.

Predominantly a right-footed finisher—having scored 32 of his 35 goals in this manner—he may prove slightly easier to defend against in the elite leagues.

Nonetheless, within Europe’s premier competition this season, he still managed to score six times from 24 shots, which grants him a conversion rate of 25%, identical to Isak’s.

Notably, Gyokeres has an impressive record from the penalty spot, scoring all twelve penalties taken, but has squandered 24 of the 54 big chances he has been afforded this season.

As a forward who typically plays off the shoulder of the last defender, Gyokeres may offer limited contribution in build-up play, an area where Arsenal usually excels.

His passing accuracy sits at 87.5% in the Portuguese league, but this is deceptive as it pertains primarily to passes made in his own half.

In the opponents’ half, this figure drops to a mediocre 69.3%, the area where Gyokeres is expected to deliver his best work.

Benjamin Sesko: A Cost-Effective Striker Option for Arsenal

Benjamin Sesko is another striker on Arsenal’s radar. Reports dating back to June 2024 suggest that the Gunners could face stiff competition to secure the Slovenian’s signature, which is entirely reasonable.

Even though RB Leipzig posted a dismal eight goals in their eight Champions League group matches—finishing 32nd out of 36 teams—Sesko contributed half of the team’s output with four goals.

Adding another ten goals in this season’s Bundesliga matches, he represents almost a quarter of Leipzig’s total goals (39 to date), showcasing his value and influence on the team. His shot efficiency is commendable, with 39 out of 76 total shots finding the target.

Most of Sesko’s goals have come from inside the penalty area—15 out of 17—leading Arsenal to question whether they desire a traditional poacher-style striker or a player with more versatility.

Passing is not one of Sesko’s strengths, which may present challenges. His peak passing accuracy sits at just 67.3% in the Bundesliga. Furthermore, evidence from a recent defeat against Mainz indicates that he gave away more balls than he successfully passed to team-mates.

Defensively speaking, Sesko is a non-contributor. He has made only 11 tackles all season, with just three being successful. Considering Mikel Arteta has nurtured a collective mentality at Arsenal, those figures will need a significant upgrade.

Ultimately, the evidence seems to strongly favour Isak as the frontrunner for a transfer to Arsenal.

With various factors in play such as salary, contract duration, and the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules, the striker that Arsenal ultimately brings in this summer will certainly provide insight into their ambitions for the 2025/26 season.