"That takes Arsenal to another level" - Paul Merson urges Gunners to sign £150m rated superstar

Arsenal legend Paul Merson has urged the Gunners to make a move for Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak. The Sweden international has been on fire for the Magpies this season and has earned plaudits from pundits and fans alike.

Isak has been heavily linked with an exit from Newcastle United in recent months, although he is likely to command a huge fee. The Tynesiders have reportedly slapped a £150 million asking price on the former Borussia Dortmund attacker.

Paul Merson, who made 422 appearances for Arsenal over 12 years, has urged the Gunners to splash the cash on Isak. The pundit has claimed that the north London giants should have plenty of cash from Emile Smith Rowe and Aaron Ramsdale sales. Merson said on Sky Sports, as quoted by TBR Football:

“Do Newcastle turn down £100 million for [Alexander] Isak? £150 [million], Arsenal will have the money, that takes Arsenal to another level. Unbelievable. They’ve sold [Emile] Smith Rowe, they’ve sold a few players, they’ve sold [loaned Aaron] Ramsdale, they have money, they look after themselves very well, Arsenal.”

Merson insisted that he likes Kai Havertz as a player but does not fancy him as the out-and-out number nine. The former Arsenal attacker added:

“I like [Kai] Havertz, don’t get me wrong but I’d rather him play deeper because he then gets in the box, he’s an extra man in the box but I like Isak, I think he’s unbelievable. I’d hate to mark him.”

Isak joined Newcastle United in a reported £63 million deal from Real Sociedad in 2022 and has been excellent since. The Swede has scored 13 goals in 20 games across competitions this season while also providing four assists.

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Arsenal have the funds to sign in-demand La Liga attacker in January: Reports

Arsenal reportedly have the financial resources to land Nico Williams from Athletic Bilbao in January. As reported by The Daily Mail (via TBR Football), they can afford the Spaniard's release clause of around £50 million.

However, it is unclear whether Williams would be open to leaving his boyhood club in January after deciding to stay in the summer. He was heavily linked with Barcelona last summer but eventually chose to stay at the Estadio San Mames.

Mikel Arteta's side have suffered a major blow with Bukayo Saka picking up a hamstring injury. They are reportedly considering a January move for their long-term target Williams to bolster their title hopes.

Williams has two goals and five assists in 22 games this season for Athletic Bilbao but enjoyed a fantastic season last time out. He scored eight goals and provided 19 assists in 37 appearances across competitions while also playing a key role in helping Spain win Euro 2024.