Former Arsenal and England striker Alan Smith has lavished praise on Newcastle United’s Swedish sensation Alexander Isak, describing the forward as “the missing link” in Arsenal’s forward line. This remark has reignited discussions about the 24-year-old’s impact at Newcastle, his potential, and the hypothetical dream of seeing him don the iconic red and white of Arsenal.
Since arriving in the Premier League with a club-record transfer to Newcastle United in August 2022, Isak has transformed into one of the league’s most lethal strikers. His debut against Liverpool at Anfield offered a tantalizing glimpse of his talent when he unleashed a stunning strike, immediately signaling his arrival on the English football scene. That season, the former Real Sociedad forward registered 10 goals and three assists in 26 appearances across all competitions—a solid start but merely a prelude to the explosion of brilliance that followed in the subsequent season.
The 2022/23 campaign saw Isak ascend to new heights, delivering the finest performance of his career. He netted an astonishing 25 goals in 40 appearances across all competitions, becoming a pivotal figure for Newcastle as they challenged on multiple fronts. His ability to combine finesse, pace, and clinical finishing left defenders scrambling, while his composure in front of goal earned widespread plaudits.
However, Newcastle faced challenges in the summer transfer window due to the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Regulations (PSR). The stringent financial rules meant that the club had to balance their books carefully, leading to speculation about Isak’s future. Some reports suggested that Newcastle might offload the Swedish star to ease financial pressures, but instead, they opted to sell fringe players such as Elliot Anderson and Yankuba Minteh to maintain compliance. This move ensured that Isak remained on Tyneside, much to the relief of the St. James’ Park faithful.
This season, Isak has continued to dazzle. Despite being hindered by occasional injuries, the forward has already scored five goals in 12 appearances. Prior to Monday night’s blank against West Ham United, he had been in scintillating form, scoring in four consecutive matches in all competitions. Such performances have cemented his reputation as a world-class striker and attracted interest from top clubs, including Arsenal and Chelsea.
The idea of Isak leaving Newcastle has sparked a flurry of speculation, particularly after reports suggested the Magpies might offer him a new deal to fend off suitors. Yet, Newcastle manager Eddie Howe has been quick to downplay the prospect of an imminent contract renewal, citing the complexities surrounding PSR compliance.
“It’s a slightly more complex situation,” Howe admitted when asked about Isak’s contract status. “Alex already has a long-term contract, so we’re not under immediate pressure to renew it. However, every decision we make as a club—whether it’s contract renewals or new signings—has a knock-on effect on our ability to act in future transfer windows. We have to be cautious not to jeopardize our flexibility by making hasty decisions.”
Howe emphasized the club’s commitment to Isak, stating, “We absolutely love Alex. He’s a fantastic player, and we want him to stay here for many years, scoring lots of goals. But, at the same time, this is football, and nothing is ever straightforward. Ongoing discussions will naturally happen between Alex, his representatives, and the club, but right now, he just needs to focus on playing his best football.”
Former Arsenal striker Alan Smith, however, believes that Isak’s talents could elevate his former club to the next level. Speaking to Mega Dice, Smith said, “I think Alexander Isak would definitely fit in at Arsenal. He’s got the technical ability to thrive in their system, which is crucial for a team like Arsenal that emphasizes skill and precision. Isak also plays on the last line more effectively than Kai Havertz, which adds a dynamic edge to the attack.”
Smith pointed out that Arsenal, despite their impressive progress under Mikel Arteta, still lack the depth of attacking options that other top clubs like Liverpool boast. “There’s a missing link in Arsenal’s attack,” Smith explained. “Isak could be the perfect addition. He wouldn’t necessarily start every game, but he’d provide the quality and versatility Arsenal need to compete at the very highest level.”
With Newcastle facing Crystal Palace this Saturday, Isak will be keen to rediscover his scoring form and help his side bounce back from the disappointing defeat to West Ham United. As speculation around his future continues to swirl, one thing is clear: Isak’s performances on the pitch will ultimately dictate the narrative surrounding his career. Whether he remains the talismanic figure for Newcastle or becomes the solution to Arsenal’s “missing link,” the Swedish forward is undeniably one of the brightest talents in football today.
