Paul Merson names signing that would take Arsenal to ‘another level’ | Football

Isak has had another eye-catching season in the North East and is the club’s top scorer with 20 goals in the Premier League this term, despite missing ten games through injury.

However, speculation has been mounting that Isak could be set for the exit door at St James’ Park in the summer transfer window, with Arsenal and Tottenham reportedly plotting £100million bids for the striker.

Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe, though, insists Isak is not for sale and it’s understood the Magpies are prepared to offer the Sweden international a new and improved deal to fend off interest from their Premier League rivals.

But the Toon may be forced to sell some of their most high-profile players this summer in order to remain on the right side of the Premier League’s profit and sustainability regulations – and the likes of Anthony Gordon, Bruno Guimaraes and Isak are all been linked with moves away.

In his Sportskeeda column, Merson said a player of Isak’s quality could be the missing piece of the puzzle for Arsenal if Newcastle decide to cash in on the attacker.

‘They need to look to keep their players as teams are going to be sniffing around for Alexander Isak, Anthony Gordon and Bruno Guimaraes,’ the ex-Arsenal and England midfielder wrote.

‘They are a massive team, but I wouldn’t be surprised if some of their stars moved on to win trophies.

‘If Arsenal sign a striker like Isak, I think they go to another level.’

Elsewhere in his column, Merson named Mikel Arteta as his manager of the season in the Premier League.

‘To push Manchester City again for the second successive season is a monumental achievement even if Arsenal don’t manage to win it,’ he said.

Meanwhile, Merson overlooked Chelsea’s Cole Palmer and picked out Arsenal star Declan Rice as his signing of the season following the midfielder’s £100million switch from West Ham last summer.

‘He’s taken Arsenal to another level and has been at least a 7/10 in every Premier League game this season,’ he added.

While Arsenal fans are hoping for a miracle on the final day of the season, Merson backed Manchester City to beat West Ham 2-0 at the Etihad and get their hands on the Premier League trophy for a fourth time in succession.

‘Manchester City have done their job and look well to win their record-breaking fourth Premier League title in a row,’ Merson continued.

‘This is a nice game for them to play on the last day of the season but they have to score early to ease the nerves.

‘Against Tottenham their nerves were jangling and they only started playing free-flowing football after Erling Haaland’s second goal.’

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