Ally McCoist recently expressed his belief that Arsenal could potentially claim the Premier League title if they had secured the transfer of Alexander Isak. Arsenal’s summer transfer strategy, led by sporting director Andrea Berta, saw the addition of eight players, including key signings Viktor Gyokeres and Eberechi Eze. However, while Gyokeres was a vital signing for the struggling Gunners, McCoist highlights that Isak might have been a transformative addition.
Arsenal’s Ambitious Transfer Approach
Arsenal’s summer was marked by a proactive recruitment strategy. Notable signings included:
- Viktor Gyokeres
- Eberechi Eze
Despite Gyokeres’ struggles early in the season, his arrival aimed to address Arsenal’s previous inadequacies in scoring. Yet, Arsenal’s interest extended to other talents, particularly Alexander Isak, who was admired by manager Mikel Arteta.
Alexander Isak’s Transfer to Liverpool
Initially believed to be unavailable, Isak prompted a transfer to Liverpool on the deadline day, leaving Arsenal contemplating what might have been. McCoist stated that if Arsenal had signed Isak, their chances of winning the league would have significantly increased. He emphasized this during an appearance on TNT Sports, stating:
“Arsenal have got their best ever chance of winning the league with Gyokeres, but if they’d signed Isak, it would be a done deal.”
Current Performance and Expectations
As the season progresses, Isak has yet to find the back of the net for Liverpool, generating skepticism about his impact. His performance statistics so far include:
| Appearances | Goals | Assists | Big Chances Missed | Shots on Target per Game |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 0.3 |
Reactions from Football Pundits
Football analysts are divided on Isak’s true capabilities. Micah Richards described Isak as a “shadow” of his former self following a summer filled with uncertainty. He pointed out that Isak’s recent contributions have been lackluster, suggesting that his transfer saga impacted his performance.
As Arsenal continues to push for the Premier League title, the question remains whether they truly needed Isak to enhance their squad. With Gyokeres yet to find his stride, Arsenal fans hope that his confidence will return, allowing the team to capitalize on their strengths without Isak’s influence.
