Arsenal transfer chief Edu shot himself in the foot by pulling out of £75m deal

COMMENT: By taking a chance in 2022, Arsenal might have been able to resolve one of their pressing problems.

Arsenal chief Edu pulled out of the race to sign Alexander Isak in January 2022 (Image: Getty)

Two years ago, Edu, the sporting director of Arsenal, could have found a solution to the team’s striker deficit. Rather, the Gunners abandoned their pursuit of Alexander Isak because of Real Sociedad’s demand. For those in north London, the Swede’s remarkable first 18 months at Newcastle United will therefore have been uncomfortable viewing.

In the winter of 2022, Edu informed Arteta that Isak was available for less than £75 million, making the striker a serious target for Arsenal. In the end, the Gunners opted not to pursue a deal, and they concluded the month without adding any new players to strengthen their front line.

Less than a year later, Newcastle took a risk by paying Sociedad £63 million after Isak had scored just six goals in La Liga. However, the move has turned out to be a brilliant one from the Tyneside recruitment experts.

In 49 appearances across all competitions, Isak has managed 23 goals despite injuries complicating his Premier League debut.

Alexander Isak has been a star turn since signing for Newcastle United (Image: Getty)

With nine Premier League goals in 2023–2024, the 24-year-old has scored three more than any other Arsenal player. With six, Bukayo Saka is in the lead. Eddie Nketiah and Gabriel Jesus, two strikers, are next with five and three, respectively.

Edu and Arteta may now regret passing on a move for Isak as they search the market for a striker to infuse the Emirates Stadium with renewed potency.

After serving an eight-month suspension, Ivan Toney is anticipated to remain with Brentford until the very end of the current campaign. Arsenal will undoubtedly be unable to match the nine-figure release clause in Victor Osimhen’s new Napoli contract.

Isak isn’t expected to turn 25 until the beginning of the following season, so Newcastle will benefit from his continuing upward trajectory. The massive 6 foot 4 inch striker already has a long list of international caps with Sweden and experience playing in Germany, the Netherlands, and Spain.

In an interview with Express Sport last month, England great Stuart Pearce expressed his opinion that Arsenal should target a striker in January to strengthen their position in the title fight. “You look at some of the high-flying teams around the world, they might have four options up front,” he said.

“There are still some unanswered concerns regarding Jesus and Nketiah. Maybe there’s a doubt there even if Havertz plays up top. Should a goal scorer who consistently scores 20 goals or more per season become available, Arsenal’s credentials would be further enhanced.”