Paul Merson tells Arsenal to break the bank for 25y/o this month, picks him over Erling Haaland | OneFootball

Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson has urged Arsenal to break the bank to sign Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak before the end of the January transfer window despite the recent form of Gabriel Jesus.

The Brazilian has six goals in his last four appearances for the Gunners, stepping up in the absence of Bukayo Saka and proving what he is capable of doing to manager Mikel Arteta all over again.

However, Merson believes landing Isak will do Arsenal plenty of good in the long-term and take them to the next level, insisting he would pick him ahead of Manchester City hitman Erling Braut Haaland.

“If I was Arsenal and I had the money, I would go and buy Isak,” the Sky Sports pundit said.

“I would break the bank for him. I think he is the best of the best. I think he takes Arsenal to another level. I am looking at the all-round picture and next season as well. I think if they can get hold of Isak who I think is the best in the business at the moment, I think that will be a massive coup for Arsenal.

“The way Arsenal play, I would have to go with Isak (over Haaland). They have got a lot of build-up play and they want the forwards to join in. He probably suits Arsenal more than Haaland.”

Isak has been on the radar of the Gunners for a while, and his form so far this season is hard to ignore, with 12 goals and four assists to his name in 17 Premier League appearances.

The North Londoners could do with such a player leading their attack, but Newcastle will not be entertaining offers for the 25-year-old this month from the look of things.

They value the Sweden international at more than £150 million, which should see Arsenal and other suitors stay away from him right now.

Isak has three and a half years left on his contract with the Magpies, and it would take a huge fee to lure Newcastle into selling him next summer.

Whether the Gunners will be keen to pay such an amount for the Swede remains to be seen, but they need such a lethal finisher within their ranks and must ensure they sign a number 9 ahead of 2025-26.