Arsenal’s Alexander Isak : A Transfer Update: Is He The Player They Need?

With the Premier League title race falling further away from Arsenal’s grasp, some are already speculating about what the summer window might bring for the Gunners. As Liverpool sit six points clear of the others with one game remaining, it looks increasingly unlikely that Arsenal can snap a 21-year trophy drought this season.

Not only that, Mikel Arteta’s men also lost 2-0 at home to Newcastle United in the EFL Cup this week and find themselves on the losing end heading into the second leg of the semi-finals. The Champions League and FA Cup are still on the line, but Arsenal will likely start to make changes in order to shore up their squad for next season, especially on the attack.

For that reason, let’s take a look at Arsenal’s current striker hunt, including potential moves for Alexander Isak and Matheus Cunha.

Arsenal’s Embrace of Alexander Isak: Too Much for the Gunners?

Arsenal fans have been buzzing about Alexander Isak as a potential solution to Arsenal’s goal drought. Isak has had a great season for Newcastle, scoring 15 goals so far in all competitions. He even scored in Newcastle’s 2-0 victory against Arsenal in the EFL Cup at the Emirates this week, which renewed speculation linking him to the North London club.

Arteta is said to be an big fan of Isak. Judging by his performance, there’s no doubt the Gunners have been following the 25-year-old closely. But Arsenal’s chances of getting Isak in the summer will be tricky, considering his price tag.

Newcastle, the Daily Mail has reported, will likely demand a fee well over £115m breaking Chelsea’s British-record transfer fee of £100m for Moisés Caicedo last year. Arsenal don’t worry about Profit and Sustainability Rules too much, but they do know that they have to pay their fair share. Arsenal simply cannot afford to pay Isak what he is worth as it stands.

Isak is currently contracted with Newcastle until 2028. This means that the club would have little incentive to sell him for less than they’d pay. This will leave Arsenal in uncertainty because they’ll have to look elsewhere for a cheaper option.

Arsenal keeping track of Matheus Cunha

Isak likely won’t get the job done, so Arsenal will need to pivot and rely on other strikers. One man who might make a good counter is Matheus Cunha, the Brazilian forward who is playing for Wolves. Arsenal wanted the 25-year-old and a new report has suggested that Arteta should take him into consideration.

Cunha has been putting in a good performance, notching 24 goals across all leagues since the start of last season. He’s no Isak, but at £16m Cunha is much more cost-effective when Wolves are in danger of being relegated from the Premier League.

Wolves reportedly have a clause in Cunha’s contract that would let him leave Molineux for £45m if they are relegated.

With Cunha’s release clause in mind, Arsenal can acquire a star forward at a very attractive cost, and could find themselves with a potentially exciting player should Wolves fall out of the top flight.

Sign Matheus Cunha instead?

As Arsenal head into the summer, the need to bring on a new striker is now more pressing than ever. Alexis Isak would Certainly be a good addition to Arteta’s side, but the money at Newcastle could prohibit that arrangement. Matheus Cunha, however, would provide a potential bargain if Wolves were relegated, offering Arsenal an exciting and affordable option on the right-back line.

Arsenal’s targets are in their sights, so Arteta will have to decide his future carefully over the next few months to make sure the Gunners are primed for a strong 2025/26 season.