'I asked Arsene Wenger who he'd sign at Arsenal – he instantly had name in mind'

Daily Mirror

3 days ago

Arsene Wenger was quick to name Newcastle star Alexander Isak as the player he would like to see Arsenal sign this summer, according to Gunners icon David Seaman
Legendary ex- Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger quickly singled out Newcastle frontman Alexander Isak as a star the Gunners should sign this window. Arsenal once again wrapped up an impressive yet trophyless season under Mikel Arteta's stewardship, finishing second in the Premier League behind Arne Slot's dynamic Liverpool while failing to clinch silverware in any cup tournaments.
Now, with a pivotal summer beckoning, their gaze shifts toward strengthening their attacking options. For the first time since 1924, not a single Arsenal player hit the 10-goal milestone in the league, with Kai Havertz falling just shy at nine.
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Therefore, the hunt for a reliable No. 9 has become a pressing concern for Arteta and new sporting director Andrea Berta in the upcoming transfer window.
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While there's been chatter about potential moves for sharpshooters like Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres, Wenger pinpointed Newcastle's talisman Isak during a conversation with the club's celebrated goalkeeper David Seaman.
Appearing on his Seaman Says podcast, brought to you by Betway, the ex-Arsenal man shed light on a recent exchange with Wenger at a charity dinner, where he probed the Frenchman for insight into who should be targeted in the transfer market.
"I had a dinner with Arsene Wenger, a charity dinner, about three weeks ago, and I asked him that question. I said, 'You're the boss, who would you sign this summer?'" relayed Seaman. "'Isak,' he said, as quick as that."
Ian Wright chipped in when Wenger's sentiment was revealed, adding: "Exactly. It's not being disrespectful to them (Newcastle), but he is brilliant."
However, snaring the 25-year-old Swede is far from straightforward. Back in May, Newcastle boss Eddie Howe laid down the law, asserting that Isak is not for sale.
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"He's not for sale from my perspective," Howe declared. "I want to build a squad, I want the strongest squad possible for next season. There is a lot to look forward to here, hopefully. The end of the season is crucial for us.
"I think that we have a strong squad and, if we can add players for the first time in a few windows, that will make a massive, massive difference for us.
"That's what I'm focusing on, not the other way around. We want to keep our best players. I think I've made that very clear. That's not just the wish from me, that's the wish from everyone at the club."
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While Howe's intention to hold onto key players was clear, he refused to give a cast-iron guarantee when quizzed a few weeks later whether Isak - reportedly valued at over £150million - will remain at Newcastle after the window closes: "I never make those guarantees about any player.
"It's not to do with Alex's future, I'd be foolish to sit here and do anything like that. We want to keep our strongest players. I have said that as long as I've sat in this seat."
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