It’s no secret that Mikel Arteta’s side needs a proven striker.
The Gunners sit in second in the Premier League but have not been as clinical in front of goal mostly using Kai Havertz as the focal point of their attack.
Although the German does have a respectable return of 10 goal contributions (8 goals, 2 assists) in 20 appearances in the league this season it’s way short of Newcastle’s Alexander Isak who has been winning plaudits for his performances this season.
In fact he has already bagged 17 goals and 5 assists so far and is only bettered by Mo Salah (19 goals, 13 assists) and Erling Haaland (18 goals, 2 assists).
So it looks likely that Arsenal will make a move for him in the Summer and Alan Smith thinks he is exactly what Arteta’s men need.
“Well I think Alexander Isak would probably be the number one target because he’s succeeded in the Premier League,” Smith told AceOdds.com.
“There wouldn’t be any settling down period where you’re getting used to the league. He’s at a good age as well – mid 20s – and he showed it in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semis, what a fine player he is.
“I think you need to bring in somebody who’s technically very good, someone who’s able to fit into that Arsenal way and also of course somebody who’s going to score goals.
“You look at the goals scored last season by Arsenal. It wasn’t deficient, it was only a few behind Man City, the title winners, without a centre forward. Everybody chipped in and now everybody isn’t chipping in, chances are being missed.
“I think a new centre forward, more than anything, will lift the place. It would be a morale booster. That would be great but I’m not sure that would happen at the moment.”
On who Arteta should get rid of to free up funds at the club he suggested two players that should be sold.
He said: “Some of the fringe players.
“Gabriel Jesus got injured again after that spell of scoring goals. He’ll know better than me but we probably need to sell in order to free up money to buy and [Mikel] Arteta’s got to decide who he could get out of the door to get more money.
“Zinchenko, doesn’t get a game these days. The two lads from Man City. When Man City are allowing title rivals to have a couple of players you wonder why they are allowing that. We’ve probably seen the reason over the last two years.””Zinchenko, doesn’t get a game these days. The two lads from Man City. When Man City are allowing title rivals to have a couple of players you wonder why they are allowing that. We’ve probably seen the reason over the last two years.”