Mikel Arteta has delivered a telling verdict on Arsenal’s No.1 transfer target Alexander Isak ahead of tonight’s Carabao Cup semi-final first leg against Newcastle.
The Gunners are desperate to make attacking signings during the January transfer window, especially in light of the serious hamstring injury sustained by Bukayo Saka.
Arteta’s options this evening have been further limited after the Arsenal boss confirmed Ethan Nwaneri is set for a spell on the sidelines after he suffered a setback during Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Brighton.
Arsenal have harboured long-term interest in Isak, dating back to his time at Real Sociedad, but hopes of landing the Sweden international this monthare virtually non-existent given Newcastle’s astronomical valuation of the 25-year-old.
Isak scored for the seventh game running last weekend in his side’s 2-1 win over Tottenham and Arteta knows his defence will have its work cut out tonight.
‘He’s a top player in top form scoring a lot of goals and we try to minimise the strength of the opposition,’ Arteta said when asked for his assessment of Isak.
‘That’s a big part of the plan when we’re playing any opponent.’
The Nwaneri blow, meanwhile, represents another spanner in the works for Arteta who had been enjoying watching the 17-year-old blossom in recent weeks.
After impressing against Brentford on New Year’s Day, the teenager scored against Brighton before he was forced off at the break.
‘He didn’t really know, he said: ‘I’m feeling something but I don’t really know, what is it?’ said Arteta.
‘He has earned the right to step up and play for us and now he starts to have some games, some big games as well.
‘The impact in those games which he’s done in different positions as well, so I’m gutted for him because it’s going to stop that a little bit.
‘But it’s another step in that development phase that he’s in, but I’m really happy with the way he is going.’
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