Mikel Arteta’s ideal transfer target for Arsenal, who are in dire need of offensive reinforcements, is thought to be the striker from Newcastle United and Sweden.
Even before Arteta lost Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus to season-ending injuries, Arsenal appeared short up top, and the choice to forgo signing a new striker in January was becoming increasingly dubious.
Some of the top clubs in Europe are interested in Isak because of his performance at St. James’ Park; he has scored 19 goals in 24 Premier League games this season.
Arsenal will probably have competition from Chelsea, Manchester United, and possibly even Liverpool.
Despite playing this season primarily without a recognized player, Liverpool is on track to win the league for the twentieth time.
Anfield legend Jamie Carragher has suggested Liverpool could enter the race for Isak and Wright fears the 25-year-old striker would favour a move to Merseyside over joining Arsenal.
‘With what Alexander Isak has done and who he is, I would buy him for £120m, no danger,’ Wright said on The Overlap with Sky Bet.
‘If we could get him, you need to chase that. I would be devastated if Arsenal weren’t in for him
Asked if he believes Isak would rather join Arsenal or Liverpool, Wright added: ‘He would probably go to Liverpool.
‘I’d like to think Mikel Arteta could convince him but look at Liverpool and Arne Slot. Slot hasn’t even got his own players in yet.
‘That seems like a move attractive proposition but again, Arsenal will need to do the work
‘I would hate it if it was between Arsenal and Liverpool because he would probably go for Liverpool with the way it’s gone for Arne Slot.’
Carragher, meanwhile, does not expect Newcastle’s price-tag to stand in Liverpool’s way of signing Isak but admits the striker could end up staying put.
‘Arsenal and Liverpool will both be in the market for a new striker,’ he said. ‘I know this will upset Newcastle fans but do you think it’s realistic that another Premier League club could sign Isak?
‘Would anyone be willing to go to £120-130m. He’s got three years on his contract so he’s not going to go for nothing anytime soon.
‘I don’t think Liverpool would be too worried about paying that. They made a £110m bid for [Moises] Caicedo before he went to Chelsea. You’re going to get four or five seasons out of Isak.’
Newcastle’s hopes of keeping hold of Isak would be boosted if they managed to qualify for the Champions League, currently sitting sixth in the Premier League.
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