Alexander Isak, the Newcastle United forward, has been linked with moves to both Liverpool and Arsenal in recent weeks.
Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher believes Alexander Isak has outgrown Arsenal, advising the forward to strive ‘bigger and better’ than the Gunners. Isak, 25, has emerged as one of the world’s deadliest forwards since joining Newcastle from Real Sociedad in August 2022.
Since then, Isak has scored 54 goals in 95 games for Newcastle, 17 of which have come this season as the club looks to qualify for the Champions League. Such form, though, has resulted in the Sweden international being linked with a move away from St James’ Park, especially as talks over a contract renewal have stalled.
Liverpool and Arsenal have been two of the teams most frequently connected with a deal for Isak, yet Carragher believes the 25-year-old has outgrown a move to the Emirates Stadium. Speaking on the newest episode the Overlap, Carragher was asked by former Manchester United and England footballer Paul Scholes if Isak should aspire higher than Arsenal.
Scholes began by saying, “Everyone loves him, but I don’t see him going to Arsenal.” He needs to get larger and better.
“We’re talking about Real Madrid here, and Liverpool needs a centre forward. Arsenal, I believe, would be an option, but only at the bottom of the list.
“I don’t mean that in a negative sense, but he’s at Newcastle, a fantastic team, but they’re not going to win league titles; that’s the next stage of his career.
“I believe it would be risky to go to Arsenal and do the same thing. Liverpool have a much greater chance, as do Manchester City and Real Madrid.
“I believe he should set his sights higher than Arsenal.” He is a player Man United would consider, but given the current situation… “It will not happen.”
Carragher then said, “Yes. I agree that he takes Arsenal to the next level; he would be fantastic and might perhaps get you over the line.But I believe he is capable of greater things.”
In October, Eddie Howe described contract negotiations with Isak as a “complex situation” as the club tried to comply with the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability criteria.
“That’s a slightly more complex situation,” Howe added. “I am not involved in contract conversations on a daily basis. Alex has a long contract with the football club, and we have to be very careful with our expenditure according to profit and sustainability laws (PSR). “It’s not a straightforward situation.”
Isak is under contract with St James’ Park until 2028.
