Arsenal has been linked to targeting a forward player in the transfer market, with Swedish striker Alexander Isak impressing at Newcastle United. The 24-year-old has scored 15 goals in 23 league appearances this season and caught the attention of Mikel Arteta. Newcastle coach Eddie Howe compared Isak to Thierry Henry, leading to interest from Arsenal. Despite Isak’s club declaring him not for sale, a potential move to Arsenal or Spurs could be on the cards with a £100m fee rumored. However, former Gunners midfielder Emmanuel Petit advised against signing Isak due to his doubts about the player’s worth and suggested looking at other options.
Instead of Isak, Petit recommended that Arsenal consider targeting Athletic Bilbao forward Nico Williams in the summer transfer window. The Frenchman praised Williams for his speed, goal-scoring ability, and compatibility with teammates, suggesting that he could be a good fit for Arsenal. Petit emphasized the importance of finding a striker who can score 20 goals per season, similar to the impact of Erling Haaland at Manchester City. He believes that Williams could be the missing piece that Arsenal needs to elevate their attacking prowess and emulate the success of other top clubs in the Premier League.
Petit expressed concern about spending a significant amount of money on Isak, citing Arsenal’s transfer policy as being more prudent and calculated. He urged Arteta and the club to avoid splashing money on players who may not guarantee success, especially in comparison to other impact players outside of England. Petit highlighted the importance of balancing financial investment with the potential on-field performance of players, suggesting that Arsenal should look for value in the transfer market rather than pursuing expensive targets like Isak.
The former France international drew parallels between Arsenal’s needs and the strategic decisions made by successful managers like Pep Guardiola. Petit emphasized the importance of having a prolific goal-scorer in the team, similar to how Guardiola transformed Manchester City’s attacking system by signing Haaland. He believes that Arteta should adopt a similar approach in identifying a striker who can provide consistent goal-scoring output and elevate Arsenal’s competitiveness in the Premier League. Petit’s suggestions indicate a tactical and strategic mindset in approaching transfer decisions for the club.
In conclusion, Arsenal’s pursuit of a forward player in the transfer market has generated interest in Alexander Isak, but former player Emmanuel Petit has advised against signing the Swedish striker due to concerns about his potential impact and cost. Petit recommended targeting Nico Williams from Athletic Bilbao as a more suitable transfer option for Arsenal, highlighting the Spanish forward’s attributes and potential fit with the team’s attacking style. Petit’s suggestions reflect a cautious and strategic approach to Arsenal’s recruitment strategy, emphasizing the importance of finding value and impact in the transfer market to improve the team’s performance in the Premier League.
