Edu, the transfer chief for Arsenal, injured himself by walking away from a £75 million deal.

COMMENT: By taking a chance in 2022, Arsenal might have been able to resolve one of their pressing problems.

 

Two years ago, Edu, the sporting director of Arsenal, may have found a solution to the team’s striker deficit. Rather, the Gunners abandoned their pursuit of Alexander Isak because of Real Sociedad’s demand. For some in north London, the Swede’s remarkable first 18 months at Newcastle United will thus have been painful viewing.

In the winter of 2022, Edu informed Arteta that Isak was available for less than £75 million, making the striker a serious target for Arsenal. In the end, the Gunners opted not to pursue a deal, and they concluded the month without adding any new players to strengthen their front line.

Less than a year later, Newcastle took a risk by paying Sociedad £63 million after Isak had scored just six goals in La Liga. However, the move has turned out to be a brilliant one from the Tyneside recruitment experts.

In 49 appearances across all competitions, Isak has managed 23 goals despite injuries complicated his Premier League debut.

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With nine Premier League goals in 2023–2024, the 24-year-old has scored three more than any other Arsenal player. With six, Bukayo Saka is in the lead. Eddie Nketiah and Gabriel Jesus, two strikers, are next with five and three, respectively.

Edu and Arteta may now regret passing on a move for Isak as they search the market for a striker to infuse the Emirates Stadium with renewed potency.