Rio Ferdinand tells Arsenal to take advantage of Newcastle problem and land deal

16 January 2024 , 09:02

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Rio Ferdinand tells Arsenal to take advantage of Newcastle problem and land deal

Arsenal have been urged to sign Alexander Isak from Newcastle as they look to make major decisions around their finances.

The Magpies have invested heavily since their Saudi Arabian owners came in, with Isak perhaps their marquee signing during that time. The Swede has more than proved himself in the Premier League, scoring 20 times in 38 games since moving from Real Sociedad.

Newcastle recently announced a £150million loss and Premier League rules are hampering their ability to spend and close the gap on the elite. It means they could cash in on some of their top assets, which would allow them to reinvest, and that has alerted some of their rivals.

Rio Ferdinand has suggested on his FIVE podcast: "Alexander Isak was running in behind constantly [against Manchester City], if I’m Arsenal, I’m going all out and buying him." The ex-defender also added: "Why? They can’t spend... they’re struggling with [profit and sustainability rules]. I think there’s another jump up before [he goes to a club like Real Madrid]. I saw somewhere they have to sell before they can buy again."

Arsenal have been linked with a forward in January as they seek some more firepower to aid their Premier League title hopes. Mikel Arteta is lacking a prolific striker and that has hampered them in recent games as they endure a dip in form.

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Bruno Guimaraes is another man who has been linked with the exit door, which has got a host of Europe's top sides tracking him. The Brazilian was signed from Lyon and has proved to be a huge hit, which led Newcastle to stick a £99m release clause in his deal.

Alexander Isak has been a huge hit since joining Newcastle (Newcastle United via Getty Image)

Newcastle's chief executive Darren Eales has confessed that big names could be moved on with a long-term view in mind. He said: "It’s difficult to say specifically on certain players, but I can say that if we’re going to get to where we want to get to, at times it is necessary to trade your players. Any decision we make will always be against the backdrop of the medium to long-term benefit for the club."

Eddie Howe has talked up Isak's quality and is adamant he will go on to enjoy huge success. "He can go on to achieve incredible things in his career," he said. "He’s still getting back to 100 per cent fit, he is not totally there yet after his injury troubles this season. But the last two performances and the goals he has scored offers a glimpse into his capabilities."

Samuel Meade