Arsenal sent 'break the bank' transfer instruction to win Premier League title

Former Arsenal star Paul Merson believes Arsenal should break the bank to sign Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak; that would guarantee them goals in their fight for the Premier League title.

The Swede was heavily linked with a move away earlier this year, but Newcastle are determined to keep hold of him. He registered 25 goals and two assists in 40 appearances last season, attracting the attention of the likes of Chelsea, Manchester City, Barcelona and Real Madrid.

With Newcastle interested in signing Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi, this may help the Gunners land the highly-rated striker. The Magpies, like all English top-flight clubs, must be mindful of the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).

Current rules state that clubs cannot lose more than £105m across three years. Newcastle were especially mindful of the league's financial rules earlier this summer when they had to sell several young stars before the June 30 PSR deadline. It's why spending so much money (in the excess of £60million) on Guehi could signal that the Magpies may be forced to consider an offer for their star striker.

Anthony Gordon is another player linked with a move away from St James' Park, and that may worry Arteta, with his potential move to Liverpool likely to end any talk of Isak leaving this summer for good. Merson believes it's a no-brainer for the Gunners.

Speaking on Sky Sports, he said: "Newcastle have done well to keep Alexander Isaak and Bruno Guimaraes at the moment. If I was a Chelsea or an Arsenal, I’d be breaking the bank for Isak. If Chelsea got Isak, they’d be certainty for a top-four finish. If Arsenal got him, they’d win the league.

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"I know after their performances in recent seasons in the Premier League this might be slightly controversial, but I think Arsenal are a couple of injuries away from being in a battle to make the top four. On paper, they are certainly Manchester City’s closest challengers, but last season the likes of William Saliba, Gabriel, Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka all played a lot of football matches.

"The two central defenders virtually played every game. However, a couple of seasons ago Saliba picked up an injury towards the end of the season and they were leaking goals left, right and centre as their title bid faltered. All their big players stayed fit and that was crucial for Mikel Arteta’s side last season, but they still could not overhaul Manchester City.

"Talking up Arsenal as Premier League title challengers is dangerous for me this time around. If they can keep all their big players fit they will push Pep Guardiola’s side close, potentially all the way again. But if they have some bad luck with injuries this time around, it could be a real struggle.

"I still also think the Gunners need a centre-forward before the transfer window closes. I can’t see them winning the Premier League without an out-and-out striker."

When asked about his future, Isak insisted earlier this summer that he had 'no thoughts' about leaving Tyneside. "I am enjoying myself at Newcastle, and I had the best season in my career," he told Swedish outlet Fotballskanalen.

"I love everything about the club; the fans, and the city. It (my future) is not something I will speculate about, I have no thoughts on leaving. There has been no talk about it at the club and I have received no information that the club would have to sell me."