Paul Scholes has given a dismissive verdict on the idea of Alexander Isak joining Arsenal, telling the Newcastle forward to aim for "bigger and better" things. Isak has been one of the Premier League's most prolific forwards this season, scoring 17 goals from 22 starts in the English top flight and generating huge interest from some of the best clubs in the world. The Swedish striker was heavily linked with Arsenal in the January transfer window, though the Gunners ended up failing to sign a new forward despite Mikel Arteta repeatedly calling for more quality and depth up front.
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe was adamant Isak would not leave in January and now there has been suggestions Arsenal could move for him in the summer instead - though Scholes has urged the player to "set his sights higher". Isak starred against the Gunners in two 2-0 wins for Newcastle in both legs of the Carabao Cup semi-finals as he bullied centre-backs William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes. And Manchester United legend Scholes feels the 25-year-old would be better off going to a club where major trophies are guaranteed.
"Everyone loves him but I don’t see a possibility of him going to Arsenal,’ Scholes said on The Overlap. ‘He needs to go bigger and better. We’re talking about Real Madrid here, Liverpool need a centre forward. I think Arsenal would be an option but I think they would be down the list of options. "I don’t mean that in a bad way but he’s at Newcastle, a really good team, a brilliant team, but they’re not going to win league titles, that’s the next stage of his career.".
Scholes agreed Isak would take Arsenal "to the next level" after going through the 2024-25 season without a recognised No 9, while also seeing injuries to Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus, but the legendary ex-midfielder said it would be a "risk" to move to the Emirates. "I think it would be a risk to go to Arsenal and do the same thing," he added. "Liverpool have got a much better chance, Man City and Real Madrid the same. I think his sights should be higher than Arsenal. He is a player Man United would be looking at but in the position we’re in now… it’s not going to happen.’.
"Yeah. I agree he takes Arsenal to another level, he would be brilliant and he could possibly get you over the line. But I just think there’s bigger and better in him.". Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
