Jamie Carragher has cast doubt on Arsenal’s chances of signing Alexander Isak, insisting the Newcastle United star would favor a move to Liverpool instead.
Isak has been one of the Premier League’s standout strikers this season, netting 19 goals across all competitions.
His performances have helped Newcastle push for a Champions League spot while also reaching the Carabao Cup final.
The Swedish international has been heavily linked with Arsenal for over a year, with Mikel Arteta keen to add a top-tier striker to his squad.
The Gunners made an attempt to sign Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins in January but failed to meet Villa’s valuation, while Newcastle’s hefty £130m asking price for Isak deterred them from making a move.
With Arsenal expected to invest in a goalscorer this summer, speculation about a renewed bid for Isak has intensified.
However, Carragher is skeptical about the striker’s rumored preference for Arsenal, believing Liverpool would be a more appealing destination.
Liverpool are on track to win the Premier League under new boss Arne Slot and could move nine points clear of Arsenal if they beat Everton on Wednesday.
Carragher questioned whether Arsenal have the financial power to compete for Isak’s signature and suggested Liverpool’s title-winning status would make them the more attractive choice.
“There’s a lot of talk about Isak joining Arsenal,” Carragher said on The Overlap. “But does that seem realistic? He has three years left on his contract.
Liverpool also need a center forward, yet there’s no speculation linking him with them.
“If Liverpool win the league and Isak decides to leave, wouldn’t he choose the champions over Arsenal? I just don’t see Arsenal paying £130m for him.”
Since arriving from Real Sociedad in 2022 for £63m, Isak has scored 54 goals in 95 games for Newcastle. His consistency and ability to deliver in big matches have made him one of the league’s most coveted strikers.
Arsenal legend Paul Merson has labeled Isak the best center-forward in the Premier League and believes his arrival at the Emirates could transform the Gunners into title winners.
“We’re talking about the best striker in the league right now,” Merson told Sportskeeda. “His goals and overall contributions are outstanding.
“What makes Isak special is his consistency. Some players score in bursts, but he delivers every single game. With Financial Fair Play in play, Newcastle might struggle to keep him. If Arsenal land him, I’d be shocked if they don’t win the league.”
With Isak’s future uncertain, the battle for his signature could become one of the summer’s biggest transfer sagas. Whether Arsenal can outbid rivals like Liverpool remains to be seen.