Football Pundit Believes Arsenal’s Transfer Target Can Do Better

Arsenal’s Pursuit of Isak Faces Doubt

Paul Scholes has cast doubt over Arsenal’s ability to secure the signing of Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak, claiming the Swedish forward is ‘bigger and better’ than a move to the Emirates.

Arsenal have long been interested in Isak, who has enjoyed an outstanding season with Newcastle, netting 17 Premier League goals.

The Gunners were keen to strengthen their attack during the January transfer window but were unable to meet Newcastle’s valuation, which exceeds £100 million.

Alongside Isak, Mikel Arteta also targeted Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins, but a late approach for the England international was unsuccessful.

With Arsenal expected to invest heavily in a new striker this summer, RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko is also under consideration.

Scholes Believes Isak Should Set His Sights Higher

Speaking on The Overlap, Manchester United legend Scholes expressed doubts about Isak joining Arsenal, suggesting that the 24-year-old should aim for a move to a more prestigious club.

“Everyone loves him, but I don’t see a possibility of him going to Arsenal,” Scholes said.

“He needs to go bigger and better. We’re talking about Real Madrid here—Liverpool need a centre forward. Arsenal would be an option, but I think they’d be down the list.”

Scholes elaborated on why he believes a move to North London might not be ideal for Isak.

“Newcastle are a really good team, but they’re not going to win league titles. That’s the next step in his career. I think it would be a risk to go to Arsenal and do the same thing. Liverpool, Manchester City, and Real Madrid have a much better chance at winning major honours.”

Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher challenged Scholes on whether he truly believed Isak was above Arsenal’s level.

Scholes reaffirmed his stance, saying: “Yeah. He would be brilliant and could take them to another level, maybe even get them over the line. But I just think there’s bigger and better for him.”

Arteta’s January Frustrations and Arsenal’s Upcoming Challenge

Arsenal were one of the few Premier League sides to remain inactive in the January transfer window, despite their pursuit of reinforcements.

Arteta admitted disappointment over the club’s lack of movement but defended their financial discipline.

“We had a clear intention to explore opportunities to strengthen the squad,” Arteta said after the window closed.

“We have been impacted by injuries, and we didn’t achieve what we wanted. But we are disciplined—we only want to bring in players that fit our profile and can truly improve the team.”

Arsenal suffered a setback in the Carabao Cup, being eliminated by Newcastle in the semi-finals with a 4-0 aggregate loss.

Now trailing league leaders Liverpool by six points, the Gunners will aim to regain momentum when they face Leicester City on Saturday.