Targeted Talent - Alexander Isak
In this edition, we take dive deep into Alex Isak and explore a potential summer destination.
Born in Solna, Sweden, Isak’s talent was evident early on as he ascended through the ranks at AIK, one of the nation's premier clubs. His breakthrough performances on home soil quickly caught the attention of European scouts, paving the way for a move to Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund. Despite the challenges of adapting to a more demanding environment in Germany, his potential remained unmistakable. A subsequent move to Real Sociedad, would prove to be defining as he refined his game, seamlessly blending agility with clinical finishing.
In the summer of 2022, Newcastle made a bold statement by paying a club-record fee of £63m to secure his services for the Premier League. Isak has rapidly emerged as a versatile asset at Newcastle, fitting seamlessly into Eddie Howe’s dynamic, high-pressing system. His blend of technical finesse, intelligent movement, and relentless pressing work rate makes him an ideal tactical match for Newcastle’s modern, fast-paced approach.
First, let’s dive into his data!
Current Performance
Alexander Isak continues to prove himself as one of the Premier League’s most dynamic strikers, excelling in goal threat, dribbling, and pressing. His xG (94th percentile), shot quality (98th percentile), and dribble impact (97th percentile) highlight his ability to both create and finish chances at an elite level. He also thrives in Newcastle’s high-pressing system, registering 23.14 pressures per 90 (92nd percentile). However, his aerial ability (17th percentile) remains a weakness, making him less effective in physical duels. While his passing influence is slightly below average, his ability to get into dangerous areas (7.10 touches in the box per 90, 83rd percentile) compensates. Isak’s numbers suggest a forward best suited to a fluid attacking system rather than a traditional target-man role, making him a key asset in Newcastle’s offensive setup.
Reviewing the shot map for this season, it is clear to see that Isak is thriving in Newcastle’s system by consistently getting into high-value scoring positions. His finishing has been exceptional, significantly outperforming his xG, highlighting his composure and precision in front of goal. However, his heavy reliance on throughballs and crosses suggests he thrives on quality service rather than creating chances independently. If he sustains this level of efficiency, he will remain one of the Premier League’s elite strikers this season.
Next Destination
I believe Isak will be one of the most sought-after strikers in Europe this summer, with top clubs across the continent vying for his signature. However, he may prefer to remain in the Premier League, seeking a move to a club capable of competing for – and winning – major titles in England’s top flight. Sorry, Newcastle fans!
That said, the Magpies won’t let him go without a fight. If Isak chooses to stay in England, Newcastle will demand a massive fee for his services, making any potential transfer a high-stakes move.
Among the clubs in need of an elite No. 9, Arsenal stands out as a prime destination due to their tactical setup and long-term ambition.
Alexander Isak would be an ideal tactical fit for Arsenal, offering a blend of elite movement, technical ability, and finishing that aligns well with Mikel Arteta’s attacking philosophy.
Here’s how I believe he would integrate into the Gunners’ system:
1. Role as the Central Striker (No. 9)
Isak thrives on throughballs (4.40 xG from 14 shots this season), making him a perfect target for Ødegaard, Saka, and Rice, who excel at breaking defensive lines.
His intelligent movement and ability to exploit space would add a more dynamic threat than Gabriel Jesus, who often drops deep rather than attacking the box.
With 7.10 touches in the box per 90 (83rd percentile), Isak stays in advanced positions, ensuring Arsenal have a consistent penalty-area presence.
2. Link-Up Play & Technical Ability
While his pass OBV (-0.02, 66th percentile) isn’t elite level, Isak is comfortable combining in tight spaces, which suits Arsenal’s intricate positional play.
He would provide a more direct and vertical option compared to Jesus, allowing Arsenal to stretch defensive lines more effectively.
3. Pressing & Defensive Work
Arteta demands intensity in pressing, and Isak excels in this area (23.14 pressures per 90, 92nd percentile).
His defensive contribution would fit well in Arsenal’s high-pressing system, complementing the work rate of Saka, Martinelli, and Ødegaard.
4. Aerial Presence – A Potential Weakness
With only 0.96 aerial wins per 90 (17th percentile), Isak isn’t a strong aerial target, meaning Arsenal’s reliance on crosses from wide areas (especially from Zinchenko and White) might need adaptation.
However, his ability to attack cutbacks and low-driven crosses would still be valuable.
Isak v Jesus
Below, we take a closer look at how Isak and Gabriel Jesus compare as No. 9s, analysing their performances over the first seven games of the season before Jesus sustained his injury.
A review of the data above shows the following:
Isak is the more clinical striker, offering better finishing, shot quality, and goal-scoring efficiency.
Jesus is the superior presser and link-up forward, contributing more to Arsenal’s pressing system and overall team play.
For a direct goal-scoring threat, Isak is the better option, but for a fluid, high-pressing, and technical system, Jesus remains a strong fit for Arsenal. If Arsenal wants a traditional goal-scoring No. 9, Isak would be an ideal signing, whereas Jesus is better suited for a false nine or hybrid forward role
Isak v Havertz
With Gabriel Jesus sidelined due to injury, Kai Havertz has frequently been deployed as Arsenal’s No. 9 this season, operating as a false nine/support striker, which is a differnet role to suit Havertz’s attributes.
We compare Isak to Havertz to see what the key differences are.
Reviewing the data above shows the following:
Alexander Isak is the more natural and lethal striker, offering higher xG, better shot selection, and superior dribbling ability.
Kai Havertz brings physicality and aerial dominance, making him useful in hold-up play and aerial battles, but his overall attacking threat is less refined than Isak’s.
For a possession-heavy, pressing team like Arsenal, Isak would likely be the better fit, as he combines elite movement, finishing, and dribbling, making him a more complete No. 9. Havertz, however, is better suited to a hybrid false nine or second striker role due to his versatility and aerial presence.
Isak would bring a more clinical, high-movement, and vertical option to Arsenal’s attack, offering an upgrade in goal threat and pressing while maintaining the technical qualities required for Arteta’s system. His fit would be ideal in a fluid front three, especially alongside wingers like Saka and Martinelli.
If Arsenal want a striker who thrives on quick interplay and high-quality chances, I believe Isak is the perfect signing.
Conclusion: Is Isak Set for a Big Move?
Alexander Isak has quietly become one of Europe's most complete strikers—blending elite finishing, intelligent movement, and relentless pressing into a package that makes him a nightmare for defenders. At Newcastle, he’s evolved into a true No. 9, a forward who doesn’t just score but elevates the entire attack. His numbers back it up, and at 24, it feels like he’s on the verge of something even bigger.
A move to Arsenal could be that next step. Mikel Arteta’s side needs a clinical, mobile striker - someone with sharper instincts in front of goal than Gabriel Jesus and more natural goal-scoring presence than Kai Havertz. Isak fits the mold perfectly. He’d give Arsenal a cutting edge in both the Premier League and Champions League, the missing piece to turn near-misses into silverware.
But Newcastle won’t let him go without a fight. If Arsenal - or any other top club -wants him, they’ll have to put serious money on the table. Reports suggest at least £160m, a fee that reflects his status as one of Europe’s elite strikers.
Whether he stays at St. James’ Park or makes a blockbuster move, one thing is clear: Alexander Isak is built for the biggest stage. His next decision won’t just shape his future - it could shift the balance of power at the top of European football.