Paul Merson urges Arsenal to spend 150m on Alexander Isak better than Haaland

Arsenal legend Paul Merson has called on the Gunners to make a bold move in the January transfer window by signing Newcastle United’s star forward Alexander Isak.

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Despite Gabriel Jesus’ resurgence, Merson believes Arsenal needs another marquee striker to sustain their Premier League title ambitions.

The former midfielder even argues that Isak would be a better fit for Arsenal’s style than Manchester City’s Erling Haaland.

Arsenal’s Striking Needs in the Title Race

Arsenal’s recent 3-1 comeback victory over Brentford highlighted their determination to chase down league leaders Liverpool, reducing the gap to six points.

While Gabriel Jesus has been in fine form, Merson is adamant that Arsenal requires an additional elite forward to stay competitive in the grueling second half of the season.

Valued at £150 million, Isak has been a standout performer for Newcastle this term, scoring 13 goals in 20 matches. His consistency and technical prowess make him a compelling option for Mikel Arteta’s tactical system.

Why Isak Is Perfect for Arsenal’s Style

In a compelling analysis, Merson suggested that Alexander Isak’s attributes align more closely with Arsenal’s playing philosophy than Erling Haaland’s.

While Haaland dominates in a direct attacking setup, Isak thrives in systems requiring intelligent link-up play and fluid movement.

“Isak is the best in the business,” Merson declared during an interview with Sky Sports News. “If Arsenal can get him, it would be a massive coup. He takes them to another level.”

Additionally, Merson lauded Jesus for stepping up his game but emphasized that bringing in Isak would raise the squad’s overall quality and provide Arteta with more tactical flexibility.

Newcastle, however, has placed a hefty £150 million price tag on Isak, making him a significant investment. Despite the cost, Merson insists Arsenal should take the plunge, viewing Isak as a player capable of transforming their fortunes in the Premier League and beyond.

“I think Isak fits Arsenal perfectly,” Merson added. “He’s worth every penny if it helps Arsenal compete with Liverpool and Manchester City for years to come.”