Arsenal have entered several transfer battles with Chelsea in recent years, and found themselves frustrated at times over a number of targets.
Mikel Arteta and Edu Gaspar were keen on a move for Mykhaylo Mudryk, but Chelsea swooped in at the last minute to sign him in January 2023.
In the same window, Arsenal were also interested in Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo, but saw their offers knocked back. Chelsea then signed him six months later for a British record fee of around £115m.
With Arsenal interested in Newcastle striker Alexander Isak, Chelsea may be set to repeat their transfer swoops, as it has now been reported that they have made an enquiry for the Swedish hitman.
Chelsea make enquiry for Arsenal target Alexander Isak
The Daily Mail have now reported that Chelsea have enquired about the availability of Isak this summer, but their interest has been knocked back, with Newcastle wanting a fee which substantially exceeds what Caicedo moved for.
Arsenal previously registered an interest in Isak, but his asking price means that a move is unlikely this summer.
Arteta’s interest in Isak dates back to his days at Real Sociedad, but with Kai Havertz performing well as a number nine, it seems unlikely that a big-money centre forward such as the Newcastle star will arrive this summer.
Arsenal should avoid battle with Chelsea for Alexander Isak
Arsenal have lost two transfer battles with Chelsea already, and in the case of both Mudryk and Caicedo, Arteta arguably won given that he signed Leandro Trossard and Declan Rice instead.
If Chelsea do make an astronomical offer for Isak, and he does become available this summer, Arsenal should resist the temptation to enter the race for him.
Isak has been described as the “next Thierry Henry,” and stylistically, he could be a good fit for Arsenal as a striker or even a winger.
However, with the need for another striker reduced, despite interest in adding speed to the front line, Isak is likely to be too expensive for Arsenal this summer.
A winger who can play on both sides to cover for Bukayo Saka is more necessary than a central striker, and Arsenal also need to strengthen in midfield rather than completing a huge-money deal for Isak.