Alexander Isak Transfer: Man Utd legend lands Arsenal dig in fresh verdict on Newcastle United man's future

Manchester United legend Louis Saha has landed a thinly veiled dig at the lack of star quality players in the Arsenal squad in a fresh verdict on the future of Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak.

The Sweden international has been regularly linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium this season with Mikel Arteta’s side in desperate need of added firepower. The Gunners dramatically fell off the Premier League title race this season and have scored 12 fewer goals than Champions elect Liverpool this term.

Andrea Berta has arrived at the club from Atletico Madrid to take on the role as technical director and he will lead the summer of recruitment ahead of the 2025/26 season. Bringing in a marquee signing to lead the line will be the number one priority.

Several targets have emerged for the club. Sporting CP man Viktor Gyokeres could be top of the list with Matheus Cunha now seemingly Manchester United bound. Isak has regularly been touted as an option but still has three more years on his deal at St. James’ Park.

Speaking to Mega Dice, former Manchester United and Everton forward Saha admitted that Arsenal are in the need of a star player. For the Frenchman, Saliba is currently the Gunners’ most sparkling name and that perhaps shouldn’t be the case.

Louis Saha: It’s ‘strange’ that William Saliba is most important Arsenal player

He said: “I believe that Newcastle is growing and they will have to keep growing, with the same quality, with the same standards of how they play and Isak is very important to maintaining that standard. His style is so complete that he allows those midfielders to bomb forward without thinking that the striker is going to lose the ball. They have this passion and every player improves when Isak is here.

“At Liverpool, he’d fit in really well if Nunez goes, and at Chelsea I think that he’d be great competition with Nicolas Jackson and give even more to the team than he does. Arsenal, though, they definitely need a striker like him. They’ve had players like Robin van Persie who have that will to win, to drag them towards success. I mean no disrespect to William Saliba, but he’s now their most important player. It’s strange.

“I respect the forwards they have now, but they don’t pose the same threat. They need a goalscorer, someone who creates something out of nothing, who scores when the team is struggling. For me, Isak is the best striker around who Arsenal could move for this summer. For Arsenal, it would make sense.”

Gunners given Champions League verdict

Saha won the Premier League twice with the Red Devils and the Champions League with the side in 2008. The 46-year-old also gave his opinion on how Arsenal will fare against Paris Saint-Germain and in the Champions League for the rest of the season.

He said: “Yes, of course, they have the quality. They showed that against Real Madrid, even if there is no doubt that Real Madrid is a shadow of their former selves, but I do really think that at this stage every team can win.

“We have four terrific teams who are confident. Arsenal are maybe a little more vulnerable because they’re missing a striker, and PSG have their forward line working well. It’s going to be hard to keep them to just a couple of chances, with Dembele playing like a No. 10, but can score like a striker. PSG are my favourites for the competition, they’re strong across the pitch.

“Their attackers, oh my God, they’re very strong at getting in behind, they play short passes with danger, and they’re so dangerous as a unit. It’s a big challenge for Arsenal.”

In other news, Andrea Berta has made first ruthless decision as Arsenal sporting chief and he was right to do it - opinion.