Arsenal-affiliated journalist Charles Watts is advocating for Arsenal to prioritize the signing of Alexander Isak and disregard a potential move for Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee.
Arsenal’s intention to sign a striker in the summer is widely known. Rumors suggest that the Emirates stadium is considering several high-profile strikers, including Joshua Zirkzee.
Under Thiago Motta’s guidance, Zirkzee has impressed in the Italian League. While he may not be scoring headline-worthy goals just yet, he has managed to find the back of the net 11 times in 33 league games this term. However, it’s not just his goal-scoring ability that makes him valuable. Zirkzee’s overall performance, his exceptional technical skills, and his physical presence make him a striker that every head coach desires.
Interestingly, on Caught Offside, Charles Watts expresses his doubts about Zirkzee suiting Arsenal and suggests that Arsenal should consider pursuing Alexander Isak instead.
“There’s a long list of strikers who have been linked to Arsenal ahead of the summer window,” Watts said.
“Some are real big hitters, such as Alexander Isak at Newcastle and Victor Osimhen at Napoli, but there are some who are slightly less well known, with Joshua Zirkzee at Bologna one of those.
“He’s a forward Arsenal have been keeping tabs on according to some well-sourced reports.
“Arsenal’s interest in Zirkzee was first broken back in January by Sam Dean at the Daily Telegraph, and it’s a link that continues to bubble away as we head towards the summer.
“He’s an interesting player, one who looks destined for a big move soon.”
He added, “I can’t pretend to be an expert on him; he’s not someone I’ve seen a lot of, but he’s clearly got a lot of potential and would add something to Arsenal’s squad that they don’t really have in attack.
“Whether he would move the needle enough for Arsenal, though, at this point, I’m not sure.
“I feel Arsenal are at a point now where any big money signings really need to come in and improve the squad immediately, and I’m not sure Zirkzee does that.
“It would be a case of buying potential, and while there is always room for that, Arsenal really need a forward who will come in and hit the ground running.
“That’s why I still feel they should throw everything at getting Isak out of Newcastle.”
Isak has continued to prove himself as one of the top strikers in the Premier League this season.
He has scored an impressive 20 goals in just 27 games, placing him just behind Chelsea’s Cole Palmer with 21 goals and Manchester City’s Erling Haaland with 25 goals in the PL top scorers list.
Arsenal could greatly benefit from a signing that immediately strengthens their attack, and Isak, with his proven track record, could be the perfect fit.
According to reports, Newcastle may make significant player sales this summer to address their financial situation and comply with the FFP and Premier League PSR. With a reasonable bid for his swoop, Arsenal could just secure the services of the Swedish hitman.
Daniel O
ADMIN COMMENT
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Those are great stats, and in many ways he seems like a good fit at Arsenal. There is something about his style that makes me have reservations, but then that’s the case for something about all the current main candidates cited for new striker. None of them feel like they’d gel perfectly in the way EG. Rice & Trossard did. So I guess the club has to take a punt on someone.
Buying Isak will be the best move. He is a tried and tested striker who is familiar with goings on in the Premier League.
Compared to Zirkzee I prefere Isak, definitely. But compared with Viktor Gyökeres the latter is light weight. Viktor Gyökeres is a REAL Centre forward. Alexander Isak never have been one. Ha wasn’t in Sweden, not in Spain, and not now in the EPL.
The price for them will be about the same. Get Gyökeres.
The unwise attempts by JA to try to convince serious minded fans onJA that weare seriously interested in Zirkzee are lamentable and to no avail.
No serious minded fan honestly thinks our club are FOOLISH enough to pursue him. That OUGHT to have been obvious many weeks ago and yet JA still,even now trots out pieces that say we are keen on buying him.
We are NOT and never have been. But JA refuses to let an obvious false rumour die a natural death, despite all evidence to the contrary. SIGH!
Charles Watts is QUITE CORRECT to say our main interest will be in Isak. I have long thought he will be our MAIN striker target this summer.
I also predict he WILL BECOMEOUR PLAYER.