Transfer: Chelsea, Arsenal urged to sign Newcastle striker

Football pundit and Arsenal legend Paul Merson has urged both Chelsea and Arsenal to pursue a transfer for Alexander Isak from Newcastle.

Merson believes that Chelsea could secure a top-four finish if they sign Isak and has even suggested that Arsenal could win the league with his addition.

“Newcastle have done well to keep Alexander Isak and Bruno Guimaraes, at the moment,” Merson told Sky Sports.

“If I was a Chelsea or an Arsenal, I’d be breaking the bank for Isak. If Chelsea got Isak, they’d be certainty for a top-four finish. If Arsenal got him, they’d win the league.”

Paul Merson also predicted that it will be a difficult season for Chelsea.

“Enzo Maresca has got to hit the ground running but I can’t see this team being consistent enough,” Paul Merson said.

“People will point to the fact that they finished strongly in the league, winning their final five matches of the season. But not long before that they were getting beaten 5-0 by Arsenal.

“That’s the benchmark. Beating the likes of Brighton and West Ham, no disrespect to those sides, isn’t Chelsea’s benchmark. Their benchmark is Arsenal, Tottenham, Manchester United, Liverpool and Manchester City.

“At the moment, I’m seeing Chelsea as a cup team again. If they can get into the top four this season, I think they’d have had the biggest result ever.”

Chelsea are seeking another striker to provide support and competition for Nicolas Jackson and Marc Guiu. Jackson’s tendency to miss chances last season has heightened the club’s need for a new forward.

Despite these interests, Chelsea remains linked with a move for Victor Osimhen.