Alexander Isak’s two-word comment about Martin Odegaard could give Arsenal the edge as they continue their long pursuit of the Newcastle forward. The Gunners have been linked with the Swedish striker for years, even before his £63million move to the Magpies from Real Sociedad in 2022.
Odegaard, who was on loan from Real Madrid, and Isak were team-mates at Sociedad during the 2019/20 season. The pair struck up a strong relationship on and off the pitch, with Isak even branding Odegaard his “best friend” in the team
Speaking during their season together, Isak said: “We have a very good contact and thrive well together. He is natural that he will be my best friend on the team. He was well known as a cult to have him on the same
The Gunners will hope that bond remains as they look to finally get a deal over the line for their long-term target. That is not a formality, with Liverpool entering the race to sign the striker, who scored 23 Premier League goals in 2024/25.
The English champions have already spent big in the transfer market this summer, signing right-back Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen for around £30million. Meanwhile, playmaker Florian Wirtz has arrived in the city to complete his club record move worth up to £116.5m.
Signing Isak, whose Newcastle contract has three years left to run, would be a real statement of intent to the rest of the Premier League. The man himself, however, has already suggested that he would fit into the Reds’ system under Arne Slot.
Speaking ahead of the Carabao Cup final between the sides, Isak said: “I really enjoy the games against Liverpool, because I think they’re not too different to ourselves, a high-pressing team and a direct team, which can lead to many counter-opportunities, and that’s the game I like.”
Newcastle, of course, will be desperate to keep their star striker as they prepare for their return to the Champions League. Addressing the speculation over his future in March, Isak was non-committal, saying: “I think this club can achieve great things. We should look at one season at a time and this season we can achieve winning a trophy, which would be amazing for everyone.
“My future is nothing really I think about. I’ve said many times doing a season I just focus on the job, now is probably the worst time to think about anything else
However, Arsenal will hope the prospect of rekindling his relationship with captain Odegaard will sway Isak’s big decision in their favour.
A deal for Benjamin Seskso or Viktor Gyokeres, however, looks much more likely at this stage. A new number nine is seen as critical as Arsenal look to go from ‘nearly men’ to winners following three successive runner-up finishes in the Premier League.
Club great Thierry Henry made his feelings last clear recently, telling the Stick to Football podcast: “Everyone has been screaming for a nine, apart from when we win, by the way. When we beat Real Madrid, we didn’t need a nine. No, you do need a nine.”
