Arsenal need a new striker this summer, that much is obvious to anyone.
Indeed, Kai Havertz is out for a season, and that’s only further highlighted Arsenal’s striker problems after years’ worth of discussion around this area.
Arsenal have been linked to a number of striker options.
Ollie Watkins is on Arsenal’s radar, while Arsenal also like Benjamin Sesko.
Alexander Isak is Arsenal’s dream target, but that deal isn’t seen as being all that likely as Isak has been valued at £120m.
Speaking on TNT Sports, Ferdinand has been discussing Arsenal’s need for a new striker, and he suggested that the Gunners could get their hands on Isak if they brokered some sort of swap deal.
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Rio Ferdinand says Alexander Isak could join Arsenal in swap deal
Ferdinand spoke about Arsenal’s striker options.
The pundit said that Isak is the obvious solution to Arsenal’s issues, but he was told that the striker could be expensive.
However, Ferdinand retorted questioning if Arsenal could broker a swap deal to get this move over the line.
“Osimhen went to Galatasaray on loan. I’m just saying that they had their chance. If he’s going to Galatasaray on loan. No disrespect, why are Arsenal not getting that player in?
“I think Isak is the obvious one, but he’ll be expensive.
“He could be too expensive?” The host asked.
“Oh, so Newcastle don’t need any of the players from Arsenal? You couldn’t work out a deal like that?” Ferdinand asked.
Which Arsenal players would Newcastle want?
Ferdinand suggests that Arsenal could broker a swap deal to get Isak through the door, and while that is an interesting idea, it’s hard to see which players could be used as makeweights here.
Newcastle have been linked to some Arsenal players in the past.
Newcastle wanted Oleksandr Zinchenko at one point, while Reiss Nelson was on Newcastle’s radar in the past.
Interestingly, Leandro Trossard was a Newcastle target in January 2022, but he went to Arsenal instead.
However, all of those links feel slightly outdated at this point.
Lewis Hall is a brilliant left-back option, so Newcastle don’t necessarily need Zinchenko.
Meanwhile, Reiss Nelson has barely played on loan at Fulham this season due to injuries, and Newcastle would probably be looking for a player of a higher calibre.
Leandro Trossard to Newcastle could work, but, again, Newcastle are well-stocked down that left wing after signing Harvey Barnes and Anthony Gordon in recent years.
Maybe Arsenal could tempt Newcastle into such a deal by offering a big-name player such as Gabriel Martinelli.
One thing is for sure, bringing Isak to the Emirates won’t be easy.
