Better signing than Isak: Arsenal in talks for 'one of the world's best'
da apostebet: This summer promises to be a huge one for Arsenal football club as they look to finally end their two-decade wait for a Premier League title at the Emirates.
da doce: Mikel Arteta’s side have finished runners-up in each of the last two campaigns, looking almost certain to finish in such a position at the end of 2024/25 – this time behind Arne Slot’s Liverpool.
The Gunners have done a tremendous job over the last couple of months considering the constant injury issues they’ve faced, losing countless key players in the process.
Bukayo Saka and Gabriel are just two of the players who have been absent for large spells, highlighting the lack of squad depth currently available to Arteta in North London.
The injuries have undoubtedly scuppered any title opportunity this season, showcasing the need for added reinforcements this summer, with one area of the pitch in the greatest need of new signings.
The latest on Arsenal’s hunt for a new striker
Over the last few months, a striker has been at the top of Arsenal’s shopping list, arguably being the missing puzzle in their quest for English top-flight glory.
The main name touted with a move to the Emirates is Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak, with the Swede impressing in the Premier League over the last couple of years, notching 41 league goals in his previous 58 outings.
However, any deal for his services has been made almost impossible, with Eddie Howe’s side placing a £150m valuation on his head ahead of the summer window.
He’s not the only name in the mix with Viktor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko, two other names also high on the club’s wish list – but like Isak, no progress has yet been made on any deals.
Despite the links, the Gunners have already started talks to land Lille striker Jonathan David this summer, according to Italian outlet Sempreinter.
They aren’t alone in their pursuit of the 25-year-old, with Bayern Munich also approaching the Canadian, who’s out of contract at the end of this season.
Why David would be a better signing than Isak for Arsenal
Isak’s talents have been on show for every Arsenal fan to see over the last few months, none more so than his effort against the Gunners in the Carabao Cup semi-final.
His effortless ability to glide past the opposition has seen comparisons made to Premier League legend Thierry Henry, which has certainly produced more hype over such a move to join Arteta’s side.
However, if they were to land the 25-year-old, they would have to fork out an English-record fee for his signature, breaking the record set by Moises Caicedo after his £115m deal to join Chelsea in 2023.
Given the added depth needed in key areas, splashing such an amount on one player would severely restrict the other business Arteta is able to conduct in the months ahead.
Such a deal may not be the supporters’ first choice, but when comparing the pair’s respective stats from the ongoing season, the Canadian has managed to outperform Isak in key areas, showcasing how much of a superb signing he would be.
How Jonathan David compares to Alexander Isak in 2024/25
Statistics (per 90)
David
Isak
Games played
44
36
Goals & assists
33
30
Shot-on-target accuracy
45%
44%
Pass accuracy
82%
73%
Take-on success
52%
49%
Fouls won
1.3
0.5
Aerials won
36%
34%
Stats via FBref
The Canadian, who’s been labelled “one of the best strikers in the world” by Tony Marinaro, has registered more combined goals and assists this campaign, showcasing the attacking threat he carries in the final third.
He’s also completed more of the passes he’s attempted, whilst also completing more take-ons, offering a more all-round option at the top end of the pitch – something which Arteta has greatly missed this season.
Whilst they will face stiff competition from various other European sides for his signature, from the stats produced, it’s evident that the Lille star would be a sensational addition, especially on a free transfer.
Isak will undoubtedly remain as the supporters’ main target this summer, but if the side are to improve in all areas ahead of next season, it’s pivotal that funds are available to edge them closer to title glory in 2025/26.
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