Arteta to stay on winter target as twin reasons emerge to give Arsenal hope

Arsenal will reportedly continue to target Real Sociedad striker Alexander Isak in the summer and hope a couple of key factors help their pursuit.  

The Gunners have made no secret of their desire to sign the 22-year-old. They were heavily linked during the January transfer window. Nothing materialised despite Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang leaving for Barcelona.

Manager Mikel Arteta knows he will have striker issues at the end of the campaign. In addition to the Gabon star departing, Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah will be out of contract.

The Spaniard needs to recruit well in order to keep up the current momentum. Isak is an option but Sociedad sporting director Roberto Olabe is not overly concerned about Arsenal’s interest.

Earlier this month he said the club is ‘well protected’ in their efforts to keep the Sweden international at Anoeta Stadium. He admitted that the north Londoners have a ‘clear interest in him’, but made it clear there has been no approach.

Isak has a whopping £75m release clause in his current contract. Arsenal have already indicated they are not willing to go that high.

La Real have shown no signs of backing down on that valuation but Spanish outlet Sport suggests they might do. That is because the former Borussia Dortmund forward has failed to hit the heights this term.

After netting 17 league goals in 2020-2021, he has found the net just four times this season. But Arsenal have not been put off by his dip in form and are said to have ‘made fresh contact’ over the player.

Arsenal reps start talks with Isak ahead of summer transfer

Arsenal representatives are talking to Alexander Isak ahead of summer move from Real Sociedad

And the report adds that Sociedad might be willing to reduce their expectations over the former AIK star.

Ex-Gunner on hand to help Arteta snare Isak

Should Arsenal fail to keep their current forwards, then there is no question they will look to add attacking reinforcements before next season.

Isak is a clear target and may have his head turned by team-mate Nacho Monreal. Monreal spent nearly seven years at the Emirates before joining Sociedad in 2019.

And, according to The Mail, his friendship with Arteta might aid Arsenal’s attempts to sign Isak. Injury has kept the former Spain international out of action all season.

And he would have nothing but praise for the way his compatriot is managing the Gunners. The one fly in the ointment may be Barcelona.

The Catalans are said to be Isak’s preferred destination if he does leave the Basque Country.

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