Arsenal target Isak and Olise as City focus on Musiala
Arsenal are targeting a striker and winger in the summer to strengthen Mikel Arteta’s squad after their hopes of reaching a first Champions League semi-final since 2009 were ended by Bayern Munich.
Successive defeats against Aston Villa and Bayern have left Arsenal’s chances of silverware this season relying on Manchester City slipping up in the Premier League title race with six games to play. There have been signs of progress but the owner, Kroenke Sports & Entertainment (KSE), recognises that Arteta’s squad needs significant strengthening.
It is understood that Newcastle’s striker Alexander Isak is one of the primary targets. He could cost about £100m and was heavily scouted by Arsenal before his move to St James’ Park in 2022 for an initial £63m. Arsenal have also been heavily linked with Isak’s Sweden teammate Viktor Gyökeres, who has scored 36 goals this season for Sporting in Portugal and has an £86m buyout clause.
Crystal Palace’s Michael Olise, who signed a new four-year contract in August, is understood to be a potential target despite making only nine Premier League starts this campaign owing to injury. The France Under-21 forward’s contract includes a release clause that is understood to be in the region of £65m.
City are also looking to strengthen having exited the Champions League, to Real Madrid, on Wednesday, with Bayern’s Jamal Musiala emerging as a top target for Pep Guardola.
Bayern will not want to lose the Germany international, who has two years on his deal, and could ward off suitors by demanding a huge fee. The 21-year-old, who can play in a variety of positions in attack, has made impressive strides since leaving Chelsea five years ago.