Paul Merson says Arsenal should have ‘broke the bank’ for Premier League star

Paul Merson admits he is ‘surprised’ Arsenal did not ‘break the bank’ for Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak last summer.

Arsenal considered signing a new striker during the last transfer window and were linked with a move for Newcastle ace Isak.

Isak scored 21 goals in the Premier League last season and was seen by many as a player who could thrive at an Arsenal team challenging for the title.

Arsenal ultimately decided not to bring in a new forward and back Kai Havertz to continue in the false nine role he adopted for most of last season.

Havertz has generally impressed – scoring seven goals so far this term – but Arsenal have endured a poor run to leave them adrift in the title race ahead of Sunday’s trip to London rivals Chelsea.

Isak was also in action on Sunday – his Newcastle team-mates facing Nottingham Forest – and Merson said before the Premier League clash that he was ‘surprised’ Arsenal did not make a serious move for his signature.

‘I’m a big fan of this lad,’ Merson told Sky Sports when asked about Isak.

‘I’m surprised Arsenal didn’t try and break the bank for him over the summer, I think he was the missing link for Arsenal.

‘I think he can do everything, he can come short, he gets in the box, he can spread the game.

‘That’s what Arsenal need, you need to spread the game so you can get players like Odegaard and Saka on the ball.

‘At the moment Arsenal are a bit congested, they haven’t got a player like Isak. I’m a fan, I’m a really big fan. I thought his header against Arsenal was outstanding. Big fan.’

Isak scored the winner as Newcastle beat Arsenal 1-0 at St James’ Park last weekend.

Gunners boss Mikel Arteta was asked after the game whether his team were missing an out-and-out centre forward in the mould of Isak.

‘I don’t know,’ a dejected Arteta said at the time. ‘I love my players and I wouldn’t change them for anybody else.’

For more stories like this, check our sport page.

Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.