Former Premier League striker Michael Owen
Michael Owen believes Newcastle United striker and Arsenal transfer target Alexander Isak would ‘walk into every team in the Premier League’.
Isak is enjoying a superb season at St James’ Park, scoring 13 goals in 18 league games to help Newcastle climb to fifth in the English top-flight.
The 25-year-old Sweden international was also prolific in front of goal last season, scoring 25 goals in all competitions to attract interest from a number of top clubs.
Arsenal have long been linked with a move for Isak as Mikel Arteta considers bringing a new frontman to the Emirates Stadium to take the Gunners to the next level.
The north London club opted against signing a new striker last summer but are said to be very interested in striking a deal for Isak, who Newcastle value at more than £100m.
Ex-England striker Owen says Isak is ‘seriously good’ and believes he wouldget into every team in the Premier League, with Manchester City possibly the only exception given the presence of prolific goalscorer Erling Haaland at the Etihad Stadium.
‘He’s seriously good,’ Owen said on Premier League Productions. ‘Newcastle have done so well to get him, develop him and feed him.
‘They have some good players in attacking positions and they play to his strengths. He would be one of the most sought-after players in the market.
‘I would say only Man City probably wouldn’t or couldn’t do with him because of Erling Haaland. Apart from that he would walk into every team in the Premier League.’
Arsenal legend Paul Merson recently urged his former club to ‘break the bank’ for Isak during the January transfer window and hailed the Magpies forward as the ‘best in the business’.
‘If I was Arsenal and I had the money I would go out and buy Isak, I’d break the bank for him,’ the ex-Arsenal and England midfielder told Sky Sports.
‘I think he’s the best of the best and he takes Arsenal to another level.
‘What I like about Jesus is he’s got back in the team this time around and he’s gone, “You know what, I’m going to get in the box, I need to score goals if I’m going to stay at this football team”, and that’s what he’s done.‘That goal yesterday was a proper poacher’s goal. It’s very rare we say him in that six-yard box, heading them in from there.
‘With [Kai] Havertz coming back as well, he wasn’t well, it pushes Havertz back to midfield, but Havertz, naturally as a forward, will get in the box and there’s an extra body in there.
‘Hopefully, if Jesus can keep doing what he’s doing, they won’t have to [sign anyone], but I’m looking at the all-round picture and I’m looking at next season as well.
‘I think if they can get hold of Isak, who I think is the best in the business at the moment, I think that would be a massive coup for Arsenal. Sorry, Newcastle fans!’
Responding to the speculation linking Isak with a move away from St James’ Park, Newcastle boss Eddie Howe said: ‘I think it comes with the territory now to be honest.
‘Maybe in my very early days that would have maybe left more of an impression, those comments. but I think when you’re in the position I’m in now you sort of ignore it and it’s irrelevant.
‘There will be so much talk, noise and rumour and you can’t control it all, you can’t even begin to try, so you just have to ignore it and focus on the facts I think.’