David Ornstein Confirms Arsenal are ‘Looking at’ Move to Sign £55m Newcastle United Star | OneFootball

Arsenal’s Summer Ambitions Heat Up as Gordon and Isak Links Emerge

Arsenal’s search for attacking reinforcements is well underway following another season of “what might have been” in the Premier League title race. According to a detailed report by David Ornstein of The Athletic, Mikel Arteta’s side are now “one of multiple clubs” showing interest in Newcastle United star Anthony Gordon, as well as long-standing target Alexander Isak.

It’s a story that speaks not just to Arsenal’s ambitions but to the broader reality that modern title contenders can ill-afford attacking stagnation — a reality Arsenal fans are becoming all too familiar with.

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Attacking Depth a Non-Negotiable for Arsenal

Arteta’s squad has been hampered this season by injuries to key forwards. With Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz both unavailable at crucial times, Arsenal have been forced to get creative — sometimes even deploying Mikel Merino, a natural midfielder, in the striker’s role.

The result? A noticeable decline in firepower and, ultimately, a campaign that fizzled out with a string of draws. As Ornstein noted, Arsenal’s 1-1 against Brentford marked their 12th stalemate of the season, effectively killing off their Premier League hopes with six games to spare.

Arteta’s critics have pounced on the failure to sign a striker in January — and rightly so. Standing still while rivals strengthen is not an option. This summer, Arsenal must move with intent.

Gordon on the Radar, But Not the Priority?

Gordon, who boasts nine goals and seven assists this season, has shown flashes of brilliance. Still only 24 and a regular in Gareth Southgate’s England squad, he remains a player of significant promise. Yet, as Ornstein clarified, Arsenal’s interest “doesn’t mean much unless something develops and we have no indications of that yet.”

Make no mistake, Gordon will not come cheap. The Newcastle winger is under a long-term deal and valued at around €65 million, per Transfermarkt. He was also ranked No.9 in FourFourTwo’s list of the best ten left-wingers earlier this year — a testament to his growing influence.

Nevertheless, Ornstein suggests that Nico Williams of Athletic Club remains the “bigger target” for Arsenal, with Antoine Semenyo also floating in the background as a possible alternative.

Revisiting the Isak Connection

Meanwhile, Alexander Isak remains a name hotly linked with the Emirates. The Swedish striker’s technical flair, mobility, and composure in front of goal would seemingly make him a perfect fit in Arteta’s fluid, high-pressing attack. His League Cup final heroics and general consistency have only fuelled speculation.

Earlier links to Victor Osimhen and Benjamin Šeško appear to have cooled, which perhaps makes Isak a more realistic option — albeit one that would require significant negotiation with a Newcastle side aiming to maintain their own trajectory.

Photo: IMAGO

Arsenal Cannot Afford Another Passive Window

There’s a sense of déjà vu here. Arsenal have flirted with elite-level recruitment in previous summers, only to fall just short. Yet this summer feels like the moment of reckoning. The Gunners cannot rely on patchwork solutions or another January of “almost signed” stories.

As FourFourTwo rightly pointed out, “the opportunity cost of standing still in the market can derail a title bid.” Arsenal, once again Champions League-bound, have leverage — and they must use it.

If Gordon or Isak are truly within reach, this is not the time for half-measures. It’s time for Edu and Arteta to act decisively.

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For hopeful Arsenal fans, this is the sort of news you cling to when a promising season falls just short. The prospect of adding either Anthony Gordon or Alexander Isak — let alone both — is enough to reignite dreams of silverware. Gordon’s tenacity and creativity on the left could provide the kind of unpredictability that has been missing when Martinelli is either off form or out injured. Plus, he’s homegrown and already tested at the highest level.

But it’s the Isak link that really excites. Arsenal have lacked a clinical forward who can stretch the pitch, create something from nothing, and still maintain tactical discipline. Isak ticks every box. If Edu can get that deal done, it could be transformational.

Most fans would accept that Gordon might not be the marquee name they imagined, but given his age and output, there’s clear upside. And if it’s Gordon and a proper centre-forward like Isak, then the summer window might finally deliver the statement of intent Arsenal have long teased.

Yes, there’s concern about overpaying. But in today’s market, quality comes at a premium. Arsenal must act boldly if they’re to keep pace with City and Liverpool next season — and this reported interest at least shows they’re aiming high.