Report: The reason why Arsenal decided not to sign Alexander Isak in 2022 before he moved to Newcastle
Yesterday at 07:45 AM
Arsenal swerved the chance to complete a deal to sign Alexander Isak from Real Sociedad back in January 2022 before he ended up at Newcastle.
Isak put the Gunners on the verge of missing out on another piece of silverware as the Swede produced a goal and assist in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg.
The striker was superb and showed Mikel Arteta’s side exactly what they were missing as the hosts failed to take any of their chances in a 2-0 defeat.
Things could have been very different had the North London club followed up on their strong interest in him back in 2022 and here is the reason why they didn’t.
Why Arsenal opted not to sign Alexander Isak in 2022
Arsenal deemed Alexander Isak’s £75 million release clause at Real Sociedad to be ‘over his true market value’, according to a report from the Athletic in 2022.
The following summer, Newcastle United agreed to pay £63 million to bring Isak from Spain to St James’ Park with his value now reportedly doubling.
In fairness to the Gunners, Isak had netted eight times in 25 matches at that point so paying £75 million would have been a big risk.
The 24-year-old got his first big move back in 2019 when he joined Borussia Dortmund, however, things did not go to plan and he joined Sociedad where he rediscovered his form.
Do Arsenal still have any chance of signing Alexander Isak?
Any deal for Arsenal to sign Isak now seems near impossible given the sort of valuation the Magpies would be targeting.
Alan Shearer said he wouldn’t even sell Isak for £150 million such is his importance to Eddie Howe’s team.
TBR Football reported earlier this month that Isak was open to staying at Newcastle in January, however, the club are aware not securing Champions League football for next season would make it hard to keep him.
The Toon are currently on course to finish in a Champions League qualification spot with the 25-year-old firing them up the table.
