Mikel Arteta has told Arsenal he wants to reinforce squad in key idea, identifies PL star as priority target: Reports

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has reportedly told the club's hierarchy that he wants Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak to bolster his attack. As claimed by TEAMtalk, the Gunners boss is a huge admirer of the Sweden international.

Arsenal have contested for the Premier League title in the last couple of seasons, but have eventually fallen short to Manchester City. According to many pundits, a key reason why they have not been able to go all the way is the lack of a deadly finisher up front.

Manchester City have arguably the best striker in the world right now in Erling Haaland. On the other hand, Liverpool also have Mohamed Salah as their prime goalscorer but Mikel Arteta's side doesn't have such a decisive goalscorer.

Arsenal's recruitment team has reportedly shortlisted a number of strikers to solve the issue. The Gunners and Mikel Arteta reportedly believe that Isak is the best-suited to lead the side's attack.

Isak has been a key player for Newcastle United since joining the Magpies in the summer of 2022. Following a club-record £63 million move from Real Sociedad, he has scored 40 goals and produced seven assists for the Tynesiders in 78 appearances.

The Sweden international's current deal at St. James' Park does not expire until 2028, putting Newcastle United in a commanding position to negotiate. It has been claimed by TEAMtalk that the former Borussia Dortmund attacker will cost more than £100 million.

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Oleksandr Zinchenko opens up on Mikel Arteta's mind games

Arsenal left-back Oleksandr Zinchenko has opened up on how Mikel Arteta often plays mind games with opposition managers. The Gunners boss has made a name for himself since taking charge at the Emirates in 2019.

Under Arteta's guidance, the north London giants have made remarkable progress in the last few years. They have won one FA Cup and two Community Shields with the Spaniard in charge and have challenged for the title in the last two seasons.

Oleksandr Zinchenko has now claimed that Arteta often plays mind games with other managers. The Ukraine international wrote in his book 'Believe', via The Athletic:

“I've seen Mikel Arteta tell injured players to come on the team bus and walk into the dressing room with their wash bag, to put the other manager off the scent. Arteta loves to play games with the opposition!”

Arsenal have not been at their best in the ongoing campaign and are already nine points behind league leaders Liverpool in the Premier League. They are also 12th in the UEFA Champions League table.