Paul Merson urges Arsenal to sign striker who’d definitely win them the Premier League, it’s not Ollie Watkins

Thu 30 January 2025 19:15, UK

It seems like all Arsenal have come around to the idea of signing a striker, considering they are actively pursuing Ollie Watkins’ signature.

Arsenal think Watkins wishes to join them but Aston Villa have no intention to sell him this January.

Arsenal’s bid to sign Watkins angered Aston Villa, who particularly wish not to sell the Englishman as Jhon Duran looks set to sign for Al-Nassr.

Before the 29-year-old, it was Alexander Isak who was constantly linked with a move to the Gunners.

Isak’s price tag is £200 million for Arsenal and any club interested in signing him from Newcastle United.

Newcastle have no reason to sell Isak this January, considering they are fighting for top four — a battle they will be unable to contest without their star striker.

Position	Team	Played MP	Won W	Drawn D	Lost L	For GF	Against GA	Diff GD	Points Pts
3	Nottm ForestNottingham Forest	23	13	5	5	33	27	6	44
4	Man CityManchester City	23	12	5	6	47	30	17	41
5	NewcastleNewcastle	23	12	5	6	41	27	14	41
6	ChelseaChelsea	23	11	7	5	45	30	15	40
7	B’mouthBournemouth	23	11	7	5	41	26	15	40

Paul Merson tells Arsenal to sign Newcastle striker Alexander Isak

Furthermore, TBR Football revealed that Newcastle know Isak will leave if they do not qualify for the Champions League at the end of the season. However, the Swede is happy to spend until the remainder of the campaign at St. James’ Park.

ALEXANDER ISAK STATS IN ALL COMPETITIONS
STARTS	GOALS	ASSISTS
29	19	4

via

Isak, described as “unbelievable” by Emmanuel Adebayor is having the season of his life — scoring 19 goals and providing four assists in all competitions.

Now, Paul Merson has suggested Arsenal to sign Isak, who he reckons would guarantee they win the Premier League title this campaign.

Position	Team	Played MP	Won W	Drawn D	Lost L	For GF	Against GA	Diff GD	Points Pts
2	ArsenalArsenal	23	13	8	2	44	21	23	47

Merson told : “There is no doubt that all the top clubs will want to sign him. With Financial Fair Play (FFP) also coming into the picture, it will be interesting to see if Newcastle can hold on to him.”

“If Arsenal signed Isak, I would be shocked if they don’t end up winning the Premier League. The same goes for Chelsea, it will seal that top four place and take them to the next level!”

Previously, Paul Merson claimed Arsenal should sign Isak for £150 million as well.

Arsenal’s reported ultimate striker target is Isak, who suits Mikel Arteta’s style of play due to his undeniable quality, unquestionable pedigree and tactical versatility to be able to play both up front and as a winger.

The strikers Mikel Arteta would rather sign over Alexander Isak

However, Arteta reportedly does not wish to sign Isak as his ideal number nine is a player who could be much more of a focal point for a team’s attack.

As a result, Arsenal were targeting both Benjamin Sesko and Evan Ferguson, who Arsenal reportedly bid for.

Arsenal are worried about Isak’s injury record as well, despite being massive admirers of his.

Interestingly, Arsenal could have signed Isak in 2022 before he left Real Sociedad to sign for Newcastle.

But at the time, the Gunners felt the 25-year-old’s £75 million release clause was far too expensive.

With crucial league games such as against Manchester City and Manchester United on the horizon for Arsenal, it will be intriguing to discover whether they end up signing a striker this January.