Arsenal would ‘win the Premier League’ if they signed Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak.
That is the opinion of ex-Premier League striker Troy Deeney, who believes ‘everyone else would be in trouble’ if Isak moved to the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal have been repeatedly linked with a move for Isak, who joined Newcastle in 2022 in a club-record deal from Real Sociedad.
Isak has established himself as one of the most consistent forwards in England over the past three seasons, scoring 41 goals in 67 league games.
Mikel Arteta was interested in signing a new striker last summer but opted to stick with his current options, using Kai Havertz as a false nine for most of this season.
But the decision not to dip into the transfer market has not been a resounding success, with Arsenal going through tricky periods in front of goal this term, although Gabriel Jesus has at least ended a dismal period by scoring five goals in his last two games.
Having been pipped to the Premier League title by Manchester City for the past two seasons, Arsenal are desperate to finally get their hands on the trophy this year.
However, they are only third at Christmas, two points behind London rivals Chelsea who have emerged as surprise title contenders and four adrift of Liverpool, who also have a game in hand.
It remains to be seen whether Arsenal can reel in Liverpool but Deeney believes the Gunners would clinch the title if they had Isak.
‘The best striker in English football currently,’ Deeney said of Isak in his BBC Sport column. ‘The one who, if Arsenal signed him, they would win the league and everyone else would be in trouble.
‘But they won’t do that because Newcastle need him and he is too important for them. Newcastle need to spend more money in and around him though or else he will end up moving to one of the big, big clubs.’
Isak is contracted to Newcastle for another three-and-a-half years and Magpies boss Eddie Howe is desperate to keep him at St James’ Park.
‘There’s no part of me or anyone at Newcastle that wants to let Alex go,’ said Howe after Isak scored a hat-trick against Ipswich Town. ‘He’s very much part of our long-term plans. He’s first class.
‘He’s motivated and wants to do well. He has big aspirations with his career but he’s still relatively young.
‘His desire to score goals is second to none and regarding his future, everything has been positive. I would love for him to contribute to us winning a trophy.
‘I don’t think contract talks have started, but he has a long contract and when the time comes that will be discussed by Alex’s representatives and the football club.
‘He’s very popular in the dressing room and that’s not always the case with an out-and-out goalscorer. He plays for the team, not just for himself, and he’s always willing to learn. I can’t speak highly enough of him.’
Isak will look to continue his goalscoring exploits on Boxing Day when Newcastle play host to Aston Villa. Arsenal, meanwhile, return to action against Ipswich.
For more stories like this, check our sport page.
Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on
Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
MORE: ‘He was not human’ – Lionel Messi wanted Barcelona to sign surprising Premier League star
MORE: ‘Meeting Alex Ferguson was amazing – but I don’t regret snubbing Man Utd transfer’
MORE: Chelsea open to selling £52m star as Barcelona consider January move
