Arsenal icon Freddie Ljungberg has encouraged Alexander Isak to consider a move away from Newcastle United and rather move to an elite side in the English top tier such as Arsenal, Chelsea, or Manchester City, next summer.
Ljungberg, who won the Premier League with Arsenal, insists that the Swedish forward has the potential to thrive if he were to move to one of England’s elite clubs.
Since joining the Toons in 2022, the former Sociedad man has quickly established himself as one of the Premier League’s standout centre-forwards. And following what has been a solid first season at St James Park, he continued to impress last year, netting 25 goals in all competitions, with only Erling Haaland and Cole Palmer surpassing his goal tally in the league.
Ljungberg encourages Arsenal to sign Isak
Despite interest from major European teams, his current employers managed to retain the services of star striker. However, Ljungberg feels that a move to a bigger club would allow Isak to unlock his full potential.
“Isak is an exceptional talent,” Ljungberg speaking to Swedish media outlet Expressen said. “His speed, finishing, and football intelligence make him the kind of player any coach would want. Newcastle is a strong side, but I hope he eventually makes the step to a club like Arsenal, Chelsea, or City, where he could score even more goals.”
MUST READ: Real Madrid end their pursuit of Arsenal’s 23yo ‘silent leader’ after being priced out of a summer move
Ljungberg also highlighted how Isak’s humble attitude and dedication to improvement could help him go a long way, while calling him “remarkably special” and predicting he could thrive at the very top of European football.
Arsenal pause Isak approach?
Although Manchester City appears set with Erling Haaland leading their attack, both Arsenal and Chelsea were linked with strikers last summer. While neither club made a formal move for Isak, both Kai Havertz and Nicolas Jackson have had promising starts to their campaigns for their respective clubs, giving the clubs reason to pause on pursuing another forward.
Isak has been recovering from an injury that sidelined him for the past month but is expected to return when Newcastle face Brighton this weekend. Newcastle, who competed in the Champions League last season, have had a strong start, with just one defeat in their first seven matches and currently sit just outside the Premier League’s top four.
