“If I’m Arsenal, I’ll be dying to sign this player right now and not Ivan Toney or even Mbappe”- Manchester United Legendary goalkeeper Van Der Sar tell the Gunners which player they MUST sign amid FFP struggles that could transform their team and make Arteta’s work easy and secured for the next decade atleast
Former Manchester United goalkeeper Van Der Sar is advising Arsenal to consider signing a player from Newcastle United. This suggestion comes as Newcastle faces potential Financial Fair Play (FFP) issues due to significant investments since the Saudi Public Investment Fund took over in 2021. Despite improving from relegation contenders to top-four challengers under Eddie Howe, the team recently reported losses of £150 million.
Newcastle might encounter restrictions on spending, making it necessary to sell valuable players to strengthen their squad further. Van Der Sar thinks Arsenal, led by manager Mikel Arteta, should take advantage of this situation and make a bid for Alexander Isak. The Swedish international, who arrived from Real Sociedad in a record-breaking transfer, has become a beloved figure at St. James’ Park in just 18 months.
Van Der Sar believes Isak could enhance Arsenal’s goal-scoring capabilities, especially since their current forwards, Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah, have only scored a combined eight goals. In contrast, Isak has netted 10 goals. The former goalkeeper emphasized Isak’s constant threat while playing against Manchester City, suggesting that Arsenal should make a strong effort to acquire him.
Arsenal’s potential interest in Isak is fueled by their financial struggles and constraints related to profit and sustainability rules. Van Der Sar speculates that there might be a hurdle for Arsenal to overcome before Isak potentially moves to a powerhouse like Real Madrid. According to reports, Arsenal may need to sell players before being able to make further acquisitions.
Isak played a crucial role in Newcastle’s recent match against Manchester City, scoring the equalizer in a 3-2 defeat. Darren Eales, Newcastle’s chief executive, acknowledged that no player is exempt from potential departures as the club strives to achieve its goals. Eales emphasized the necessity of making strategic player trades to reach their objectives.
In summary, Van Der Sar’s recommendation for Arsenal to pursue Isak reflects a complex financial landscape for Newcastle, where selling players might be a crucial step to comply with FFP rules. Arsenal, facing their own financial challenges, could benefit from this situation by strengthening their squad with a talented player like Alexander Isak.
