Paul Merson believes Arsenal are the only club in a position to sign Newcastle United's Alexander Isak.

The 25-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium, with Mikel Arteta's team short of quality attacking options. Arsenal's only out-and-out No.9, Gabriel Jesus, is currently out with a long-term injury, while Kai Havertz has been unconvincing up front for the Gunners.

Isak, meanwhile, has scored 19 goals in all competitions this season for the Magpies, alongside five assists. The Swede's strong performances are helping Eddie Howe's team push for a top-four finish and a first trophy since 1955 after they reached the Carabao Cup final at the expense of Arsenal on Wednesday.

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And former Gunners midfielder Merson has shared his view that Isak's likely next destination is north London if he departs St James' Park.

"It will come down to money," he told Sky Sports News. "I don't know the lad, but that's what it more likely comes down to.

"If someone comes in and they offer a lot of money, it will be hard. They're in the final. Will they win it? If they play Tottenham, maybe, if they play Liverpool, it's gonna be harder.

"But the lad's a special player. On the way in, I was thinking, where's he gonna go? Where can he go? He's not going to Man City, he's not gonna go Man United. I don't know if Man United has any money to buy anybody anyway.

"You're not gonna go Tottenham. I don't think he'll go to Villa. I think I can only go to Arsenal in the whole world, really, unless it's Real Madrid, and they got [Kylian] Mbappe anyway.

"Does he want to go and play for Arsenal and might win something or stay at Newcastle and might win something? So it will be an interesting one, but it all depends on the [financial] fair play rule as well. I don't know what Newcastle will have to do."