Isak to Arsenal: Is the Newcastle man Gunners’ dream transfer target? Whisper+ verdict

Latest developments

• Arsenal have identified Alexander Isak as their key transfer target.
• The Gunners are in the market for a top-class centre-forward.
• The Swede wants to join a club that is regularly competing for trophies.

Whisper+ analysis

Authenticity (3.5/5): Arsenal interest no surprise

Reports on teamtalk.com say Alexander Isak is Arsenal's “dream target” in the transfer market, as the Gunners look to bolster their squad with an elite goal scorer.

While the site has not named its sources, Mikel Arteta's men being in the hunt for a proven Premier League striker will not come as a shock to anyone monitoring the English market.

Value (2.5/5): Newcastle will demand high price

The supposed lack of elite strikers puts a premium on the likes of Isak, who has scored four times in nine league matches since his most recent Transfermarkt valuation of €75 million.

To get the Magpies to the negotiating table, Arsenal will have to bid well in excess of that for the player under contract until 2028, with figures over £100 million being thrown out. It's a lot of money, but is it a price worth paying if Isak takes Arsenal to the title?

Suitability (4.5/5): Slight Arsenal tweak needed

With 35 goals in 61 Premier League appearances, there is no doubting Isak's abilities in English football.

At 1.92m, his aerial prowess is responsible for many of his goals, therefore, Arsenal will have to adjust their attacking style, keeping their wingers out wide to provide crosses, rather than cut inside and go for goal themselves.

Upgrade? (5/5): A clear improvement

The red half of North London has been lacking an out-and-out centre-forward for too long. Kai Havertz has done well to reinvent himself in that position, but he is not to everyone's taste, while there are questions about Gabriel Jesus' suitability there, too.

Logic (4.5/5): Isak on the trophy hunt

A lot was made of Newcastle's investment, which helped them bring Isak to the club, but the Tyneside club have not become the regular challengers for trophies that many expected.

Arsenal have not exactly been raking in the silverware of late, but look in a much better position to challenge, despite their recent form. Isak is said to want to regularly challenge for titles and play in the UEFA Champions League, thus Arsenal's gaping hole up front looks perfect for him to fill.

Whisper+ verdict: 20/25

He may not be available at a dream price, but Isak looks every bit the dream player that Arteta needs to take his squad to the next level and win a first league title in over 20 years, even if the signing adds extra pressure to everyone at the Emirates.