The race for the 2024-25 Premier League title has been a rollercoaster, with Arsenal once again falling just short, expected to finish second behind champions Liverpool. Yet, as the summer transfer window looms, a bold prediction from football pundit Stan Collymore has ignited hope among Gunners fans: sign Newcastle United’s star striker Alexander Isak, and Arsenal could “win the league by 10 points” next season. The call to secure the “fantastic player,” whose electrifying performances have made him one of Europe’s most coveted talents, has sparked excitement and debate, positioning Arsenal at a pivotal moment to transform their fortunes and end their title drought.
Arsenal’s campaign this season has been marked by brilliance but also frustration. Mikel Arteta’s squad, bolstered by savvy signings like Riccardo Calafiori and the emergence of young stars like Ethan Nwaneri, pushed Liverpool to the wire, only to falter in critical moments. Their attacking output, while potent, lacked the clinical edge needed to dethrone the champions. Enter Isak, the 25-year-old Swedish sensation who has lit up St. James’ Park with 16 goals in 27 Premier League appearances this season, despite missing time due to a foot injury. His blend of pace, technical finesse, and lethal finishing has drawn comparisons to Thierry Henry, a legend Arsenal fans hold dear. “I think you’re a fantastic player, and if I had £150 million, I’d pay it to have you at any club,” Collymore declared, underscoring Isak’s transformative potential.
Collymore’s vision for Arsenal hinges on Isak’s fit within Arteta’s system. “Arsenal seem like the best possible move for him if he leaves Newcastle,” he said, pointing to the Gunners’ upward trajectory and their likely qualification for the 2025-26 Champions League, a stage Isak craves. “Let’s not forget—they’re a big club now, and if they qualify for the Champions League, they’ll be an attractive project for any player.” Isak’s versatility to lead the line or drift wide would complement Arsenal’s fluid attack, featuring Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, and Martin Ødegaard. His 0.76 goals per 90 minutes this season dwarf the output of Arsenal’s current strikers, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus, making him the missing piece to unlock Arteta’s title ambitions.
The transfer, however, is no simple feat. Newcastle, buoyed by their own Champions League aspirations, have slapped a £150 million price tag on Isak, whose contract runs until 2028. Arsenal face competition from Liverpool, reportedly preparing a €135 million bid, and interest from Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich. Yet, Arsenal’s recent transfer savvy—securing Calafiori and Raheem Sterling—suggests they could navigate the deal, possibly by offloading players like Eddie Nketiah or Aaron Ramsdale to balance the books. “If the Gunners get him, they will win the league by 10 points!” Collymore asserted, envisioning Isak as the catalyst to elevate Arsenal above rivals like Manchester City and Liverpool.
Isak’s journey adds intrigue to the saga. After starring at Real Sociedad, where he scored 33 goals in 105 La Liga games, he joined Newcastle in 2022 for £63 million, quickly becoming their talisman. His 25 goals in the 2023-24 Premier League season, including a penalty in a 2-0 win over Arsenal, showcased his ability to haunt top defenses. Off the pitch, his quiet confidence and love for gaming resonate with Arsenal’s youthful squad, promising a seamless cultural fit.
The broader context of Arsenal’s ambitions fuels the narrative. Arteta’s project, now in its fifth year, has restored the club’s status as a Premier League powerhouse, with back-to-back second-place finishes and a 2023-24 FA Cup triumph. Yet, the gap to the title remains. Other targets, like Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyökeres, have been linked, but Collymore’s endorsement of Isak carries weight, given his own Premier League pedigree. Arsenal’s summer plans also include strengthening their midfield, with interest in Real Sociedad’s Martín Zubimendi, signaling a bold transfer window.
As Arsenal prepare for their final matches of the season, the prospect of Isak donning the red and white next term has fans dreaming of glory. Collymore’s prophecy—a 10-point title margin—may be audacious, but with Isak’s firepower, Arteta’s vision, and a reinvigorated Emirates, Arsenal could finally reclaim the Premier League crown.