After their first win against Norwich City, an Arsenal team that had appeared to be in free-fall now have a foothold in their season.
This may not have been the most convincing scoreline Mikel Arteta needed to dispel the doubts surrounding his management, but it was a start nonetheless. And the 4-3-3 formation Arsenal finished the match in perhaps even provided a look at the shape of their future. However, the crisis with the finishing ability of their frontmen is a massive worry for the Gunners faithful.
Club captain Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang was deployed as a No. 9 and did score the only goal of the game. However, having managed to take 30 shots at Norwich keeper Tim Krul and managing to score only one is a concern. Aubameyang, now 32, showed no signs of slowing down but his finishing was below par, much like his teammates. Having that in mind, Arteta’s plan of bringing in Swedish forward Alexander Isak also took a big hit as the youngster signed a new deal with Real Sociedad.
Isak’s Impressive Spell In La Liga
The 21-years-old centre forward is an academy product of AIK Solna in Sweden. He joined Dortmund in 2017 with a bag of reputation. Initially, things did not work out for Isak in Germany and he joined Dutch side Willem II on loan in 2019. His performances in the Eredivisie caught the eye of Spanish team Real Sociedad and eventually they signed the Swedish forward in the summer of 2019. Since then he has been on a different level for them.
Isak has accumulated 33 goals and 5 assists over two seasons in Spain. (transfermarkt). His areal ability, along with his intricate dribbling skills, have been really influential for Sociedad. For someone of his age, he plays with very high composure and mentality. His scoring record only emphasises the point that he is ready to play in a more competitive league. Isak was sublime for his country as well in the Euro 2020.
How Isak Would Have Fit At Arsenal
Manager Mikel Arteta currently has Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang, Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah at his disposal. However, Lacazette looks set to leave the club as his contract expires next season. Aubameyang might have been immensely influential for the Gunners but right now he is on the wrong side of the thirties. On the other hand, Nektiah has not lived up to his potential as of yet. Having bolstered their defence this season, Arsenal currently should look towards strengthening their attack.
Alexandre Isak fits the profile and the project of Mikel Arteta perfectly. This new build of Arsenal squad with young but experienced players needs someone to put a telling touch at the end of their moves. Isak could have been the man considering he is as good on the ball as he is in the air. He is reminiscent of his country’s legend Zlatan in his playing style and Arsenal would have massively benefited from someone who can deliver for years to come.
However, now that the youngster has signed a new contract till 2026 with Sociedad, he looks set to stay at the club for at least a season or two. That is unless any club decides to match the release clause of 90 Million Pounds as set by the Spanish Club.
