Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta drops big Alexander Isak ‘transfer tip’ ahead of Carabao Cup clash with Newcastle United
Mikel Arteta is clearly a fan of the Swedish Newcastle striker.
Arsenal host the first leg of the semi-finals on Tuesday night, when the Gunners will stop Eddie Howe’s club from their second final in two years. With Newcastle gaining home advantage for the second leg, it will be crucial that Arsenal get a positive result at the Emirates, but dealing with Aleksander Isak will be easier said than done. – Something many others have experienced this season.
The Swedish striker has scored in each of his last six Premier League appearances, including a hat-trick against relegation-fighting Ipswich Town.
Isak has been heavily linked with Arsenal in the past, with Football Insider reporting that he will be a “key target” for Arteta in the summer.
What did Arteta say about Isak?
Ahead of the game, Arteta praised Isak and revealed how Arsenal plan to deal with the 25-year-old.
“Obviously, he’s a top player in top form who scores a lot of goals,” Arteta told reporters when asked about Isak, via football.london.
“Trying to minimize the strength of your opponent is a big part of the plan when you’re playing against an opponent.”
With Arsenal in the market for a goalscorer, it is clear that Arteta is a massive fan of the former Real Sociedad man, but Isak’s price tag could pose a problem.
According to The Telegraph, Newcastle will ask for £150 million for the Swedish international, which could prove to be too much for the Gunners, they could consider putting £100 million on the table.
Arsenal are concerned about injuries
Arteta also confirmed some rather damning injury news, as teenager Ethan Nwaneri has been ruled out of the draw, and is likely to miss several weeks.
“Unfortunately he [Nwaneri] has got an injury and is going to be out for a few weeks,” Arteta said before adding: “Muscular injury.”
“yes, he didn’t really know,” Arteta said. “‘I feel something, what is it?’ He has earned the right to go up and play for us and start some big games and influence those games in the way he has.
Nwaneri was on the scoresheet at the weekend, scoring his second goal of the Premier League season.
