Mikel Arteta was upset with the line of questioning after Arsenal’s draw with Man Utd (Image: Getty)
must regret not signing when the star was available for £63million three years ago. The Gunners are once again set to miss out on the title, largely due to the absence of a world-class centre-forward such as Isak.
stormed out of after ’s 1-1 draw with . But despite being angered by questions over the gap between his side and , and the lack of an elite striker, he will surely know deep down that made a rare transfer mistake with Isak.
Long-term injuries to and Gabriel Jesus have left the north Londoners without a recognised striker for the second half of the season. Even when both were fit, neither were good enough to fire to their first title in over 20 years. It was clear that an upgrade was required last summer but instead opted to strengthen their defence and midfield.
Had Isak signed in January 2022, when he was available for his £63m release clause at Real Sociedad, might have won the Premier League by now. However, the Gunners turned down the opportunity to complete a deal that month.
According to a report by The Athletic at the time, did not believe the proposed fee recognised Isak’s market value. Jesus was signed later that year for £45m, while Havertz arrived 18 months later in a £65m agreement, albeit he was identified as a creative midfielder – not a centre-forward.
Isak went on to sign for Premier League rivals and has excelled, becoming one of the most wanted strikers in world football. A total of 57 goals in 98 appearances since that move means he has outshone most other top-flight forwards.
Arsenal surely regret not signing Alexander Isak in 2022 (Image: Getty)
If want to complete a deal for the 25-year-old in the summer, they will surely face paying around double what they were quoted three years ago. With other areas in need of improvement, such as in defensive midfield and out wide, it seems unlikely that Isak will be an player next season.
There will surely have been a tinge of regret from Arteta when he was reminded of his lack of attacking options by Sky Sports’ Patrick Davison on Sunday. The boss would not be drawn on the subject, which has left him using Mikel Merino as a makeshift centre-forward, and then walked away from the interview area after being quizzed on the gap between his side and .
That gap, which now stands at 15 points, might even have been reversed had Isak signed for three years ago.