Arsenal hero Alan Smith has called on the Gunners to part with Oleksandr Zinchenko and Gabriel Jesus to fund a move for Newcastle United ace Alexander Isak. The Swede has enjoyed a prolific season on Tyneside, registering 19 goals and five assists in 25 games in all competitions for Eddie Howe's men.

Earlier in the month, Isak was a key figure in the Magpies recording a 2-0 win at the Emirates Stadium in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final tie between the sides. The 25-year-old was in the right place to emphatically convert in the first half as he put Newcastle on their way to a very impressive result in the capital.

At a time when Arsenal are lacking a proven goalscorer to drag them kicking and screaming to a first Premier League title since 2004, Isak has been heavily linked with a move to north London. Amid reports that interested clubs could have to part with more than £150million for Newcastle to even consider selling their prize asset, Smith believes the sales of Jesus and Zinchenko, who were signed for £45million and £32million respectively, could help boost Mikel Arteta's Arsenal transfer kitty if they are to move for Isak.

READ MORE: Five transfers Arsenal could still complete this week before the January window closes

READ MORE: Dusan Vlahovic hands Arsenal transfer boost with new decision after 'significant offer'

"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 Arteta's got to decide who he could get out of the door to get more money," said the former striker in an interview with AceOdds.com.

"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."

Clearly in need of that world-class striker to help Arsenal really challenge for major honours on a consistent basis, Smith has stated that Isak should be their first-choice target.

"Well I think Alexander Isak would probably be the number one target because he's succeeded in the Premier League," he admitted. "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."

As great as it would be for Arsenal to conclude a deal for Isak this month to give them a huge boost going into the run-in, Smith has outlined two reasons why they may have to wait until the summer to get their man.

"Wouldn't it be lovely if you can get a proven goalscorer into the club in January. (A) It would cost a lot of money. (B) It would indeed be very difficult indeed to get somebody this month," explained the 62-year-old.

"He will probably be my first choice. He's been linked heavily with Arsenal for the last year. I would imagine if he is going to leave Newcastle, it would probably be in the summer. I can't see it happening in January, if indeed it happens at all."