Mikel Arteta makes feelings clear about facing Arsenal target Alexander Isak in Carabao Cup semi-final against Newcastle

Mikel Arteta has acknowledged that Arsenal will have to pay special attention to Alexander Isak when they face Newcastle United on Tuesday, January 7. The Gunners host the Magpies at the Emirates for the first leg of the Carabao Cup semifinals.

Isak arrives at the game in tremendous form, having scored nine goals in his last eight games across competitions. The Swedish striker has amassed 14 goals and four assists from 21 games this season for Newcastle United.

Arsenal are long-term admirers of the 25-year-old and remain linked with the player as they search for a new No. 9. However, Isak is under contract at St. James' Park until 2028, and the Magpies are likely to demand an astronomical fee to let him go.

Speaking in the build-up to the game, as cited by The Metro, Arteta was full of praise for the Swede.

"He’s a top player in top form scoring a lot of goals and we try to minimise the strength of the opposition. That’s a big part of the plan when we’re playing any opponent," said Arteta.

Arsenal arrive at the game on the back of a disappointing 1-1 draw against Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League over the weekend. Mikel Arteta's team is already six points behind league leaders Liverpool, who have a game in hand. As such, the Spanish manager will be desperate to go all the way in the EFL Cup.

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Who is Arsenal's top scorer this season?

Alexander Isak

Arsenal have scored 39 goals in 20 games in the Premier League this season. Only Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur have found the back of the net on more occasions than the Gunners so far.

Meanwhile, Mikel Arteta's team has also been in fine form in the Champions League, registering four wins, one draw and one loss from six games. They have scored 11 goals and conceded just two in Europe.

Kai Havertz has scored the most goals for the north London side this season, registering 12 goals and three assists from 25 games. Next on the list is Bukayo Saka, who has nine goals and 13 assists to his name from 24 games.

Unfortunately, the Englishman is currently sidelined with an injury, which is a huge blow for Arsenal. Meanwhile, Gabriel Jesus has also chipped in with seven goals and two assists from 25 games, while Gabriel Martinelli has six goals and two assists from 26 outings.