It’s past the halfway stage of the January transfer window and Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal are yet to secure any incomings.
There is every chance that the much-needed striker fans crave won’t arrive, but Rio Ferdinand has a certain Newcastle United superstar they should push for.
The Manchester United legend stated that Arsenal should go ‘all out’ to buy Alexander Isak amid rumoured FFP issues at St James’ Park, as he told Vibe with Five.
It was put to Rio Ferdinand that Alexander Isak, who has ten Premier League goals from 16 games this season, is a player who is of a much higher level than Arsenal.
The name of Spanish giants Real Madrid was put on the table.
Whilst Rio Ferdinand agreed that he can see the Sweden star making that move to Real Madrid one day, he thinks there is ‘another jump’ to a team like Arsenal before that.
Mikel Arteta’s side are sitting fourth in the Premier League table, and after a faltering festive period, they are five points behind leaders Liverpool.
And Rio Ferdinand thinks they need to take advantage of what’s happening at Newcastle by signing their star striker.
Alexander Isak from Newcastle to Real Madrid via Arsenal
“Isak, by the way, if I am Arsenal, then I am going all out and buying him,” said Ferdinand.
On being told that Arsenal can’t get him: “Why? They (Newcastle) can’t spend. They got no FFP.”
Arsenal fan Joel Beya responded: “You have to remember Isak, his levels, and I have to be honest, it’s Real Madrid. That is Madrid right there.”
Ferdinand responded: “I think there is another jump up before that (move to Real Madrid) for him. I think there is a top, top team.
“I saw somewhere that they (Newcastle) have to sell before they can buy again. I wouldn’t sell him, if I was Newcastle. He’s staying here even when you are bringing in the superstars. I think he is top.”
Alexander Isak’s importance to Newcastle United
This is a prime example of outstanding business from Newcastle because Isak is one of the best strikers in the Premier League.
It needs to be noted that when the Magpies paid Real Sociedad £63 million for his services in 2022, he had just scored six La Liga goals.
Yes, he was highly rated, but not performing at the top of his game, however, those in Newcastle saw that as a chance to take the punt and bring him through their doors.
And now they will be very, very keen to keep him because, with 20 goals in 38 Premier League games since he joined, those numbers are just going to grow and grow.
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