According to Paul Merson, Arsenal must do everything they can to sign Alexander Isak from Newcastle in January.
The Gunners are aiming to chase Liverpool in the second half of the season as they look to win their first Premier League title in more than two decades, but Mikel Arteta's side are short on firepower.
Arsenal had close ties with Benjamin Sesko in the summer before he signed a new contract with RB Leipzig. They have since been tipped to sign a new number 9 in the January transfer window, with Arteta refusing to rule out a new number 9 this month.
Isak has been linked with Arsenal more than once and is considered the striker Arteta covets more than anyone else; the Spaniard is a big fan of the Swedish international. He is valued at £150million by Newcastle but that has not deterred Merson, who believes he would take Arsenal to another level.
The Sky Sports pundit said: 'If I was Arsenal and I had the money I would go and buy Isak, I would break the bank for him. I think he is the best of the best and he will take Arsenal to another level.
“What I like [Gabriel] Jesus, he's back in the team this time and he's gone: 'You know what, I'm going to step into the penalty area, I've got to score goals if I want to stay in this football team', and that's what he's done.
'That goal yesterday was a real poacher's goal. It's rare that we say him into that twenty-foot box and lead them in from there. Of [Kai] Havertz also comes back, he wasn't good, it pushes Havertz back into midfield, but Havertz, obviously as a striker, will come into the penalty area and there is an extra body in there. If Jesus can keep doing what he's doing, hopefully they won't have to [sign anyone]but I look at the overall picture and I also look at next season.
“I think if they can get Isak, who I think is the best in the business at the moment, it would be a massive coup for Arsenal. Sorry, Newcastle fans!”
While Arsenal have been long-time admirers of Isak, it seems highly unlikely that their Premier League rivals will part ways with the Swedish striker, who has been in red-hot form over Christmas. But his contract situation and the Magpies' PSR concerns mean a summer deal for the Swede cannot be discounted, especially if he does not sign new terms on Tyneside.
Arsenal have also been linked with other names ahead of the January window, including Wolves striker Matheus Cunha. They have also been boosted by the return to form of Gabriel Jesus, who has plundered six goals over the Christmas period.
When asked how he would do business in January, on New Year's Day, Arteta said: “Let's see. If there is a possibility, we will look into it. Let's see how we get there. Hopefully the team is in a much healthier position than it is now, but who knows?
“We are prepared if we have to do something, we are able to do something, but then the transfer period is very difficult and difficult to control. The opportunities are very limited, but we will be there.”
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