Arsenal are understood to be long-term admirers of Alexander Isak and were tipped to make a move for him in the summer. Now Mikel Arteta has refused to shut down speculation linking them with the Newc

In the same period of time, Arsenal’s Premier League rivals have signed the likes of Erling Haaland, Luis Diaz, Cody Gakpo, Cole Palmer, Dominic Solanke, Isak and Gordon, all of whom are far superior to the level of attacking talent Arteta has summoned to N5. Arteta was not the only one who worked on these deals.