ARSENAL have been told to “break the bank” for £150million-rated Newcastle striker Alexander Isak.
The Gunners were rocked by the bombshell news that talisman Bukayo Saka will be out for more than two months following surgery to fix a torn hamstring.
And pundit Paul Merson, a two-time league title winner with the club, believes a January swoop for the Toon’s super Swede is needed to keep alive their dreams of being crowned champions.
Merson even insists Isak, 25, would be a better buy than Manchester City’s record-busting goalscorer Erling Haaland.
Isak is on fire, having hit 12 goals in his last 13 games.
Merson said: “If I was Arsenal I’d go and buy Isak.
“I’d break the bank for him. He’s the best of the best and would take Arsenal to another level. If they can get hold of Isak, who is the best in the business at the moment, that would be a massive coup.”
Asked if he would take Isak over City superstar Haaland, Merson, 56, told Sky Sports: “I would have to go Isak because of the way Arsenal play.
“He suits Arsenal more than Haaland.”
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe splashed out £63m to sign Isak from Real Sociedad in August 2022 — but the Magpies now value him at an incredible £150m.
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England star Merson, who won two titles, the European Cup Winners’ Cup and an FA and League Cup double during his 12-year Arsenal spell, added: “If Gabriel Jesus can keep doing what he’s doing, they won’t have to bring in a striker.
“But looking at the all-round picture and next season as well, Isak would be massive.”
Having scored just once in 33 appearances, Brazilian Jesus now has six from his last four in all competitions after netting in Wednesday’s 3-1 win over Brentford.
Gunners boss Mikel Arteta admits the club may try and bolster their injury-hit squad this month.
But Newcastle are desperate to keep hold of Isak, with Howe hoping that European football next season could convince the player to stay.
Ironically, Arsenal face Newcastle on Tuesday in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final clash.
Merson continued: “What I like about Jesus is he’s got back into the team and said, ‘This time, I’m going to get in the box and score goals. If I’m going to stay in this team, I need to score goals’.
“And that’s what he’s done. His goal against Brentford was a proper poacher’s goal. It’s rare we see him in the six-yard box, heading them in.”
Arsenal’s 12-goal top scorer Kai Havertz missed the Brentford victory through illness.
And Merse said: “When Kai comes back, he will be pushed into midfield.
“But, as a forward, Havertz will naturally get into the box and there’s an extra body.”
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