Alexander Isak has been linked with a transfer to Arsenal.(Image: Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images)

Arsenal’s Edu challenge outlined after departure as Alexander Isak transfer claim made

05 Nov 2024, 04:00 by Amie Wilson · football.london

Arsenal don’t have too long to dwell on their Premier League defeat at the weekend. Mikel Arteta’s side are back in Champions League action this week.

The Gunners will look to bounce back from a disappointing 1-0 defeat against Newcastle in Saturday’s early kick-off as they take on Inter away on Wednesday night (8pm kick-off). The defeat against the Magpies was a blow to Arsenal’s title hopes and leaves them in fifth place in the table, seven points adrift of leaders Liverpool.

In what is another blow to the club, it was confirmed on Monday that sporting director Edu is set to leave. The invincible returned to the club in 2019 and has been praised for his work alongside Arteta.

There’s no surprise then that there have been a lot of stories doing the rounds over the last 24 hours. With that in mind, football.london have taken a look at a couple and given our own thoughts on the situation.

Edu wages claim

Departing Arsenal sporting director Edu is set to triple his wages should a new role with Evangelos Marinakis’ network of clubs be confirmed, according to reports. Edu’s departure from Arsenal was confirmed by the club on Monday night, with the director highlighting an ‘incredibly hard decision’ to resign from his role at the club.

In a statement, he mentioned pursuing a ‘different challenge’. It is reported that he has been in talks with the Marinakis group, which includes Premier League side Nottingham Forest.

The Independent reports that his wages in his new role will be more than three times his current salary at the Emirates Stadium. The opportunity could also see him become CEO, something that matches his ambitions.

FL says: You can’t really blame anyone for taking an opportunity that comes with such a leap in salary. However, it will be disappointing from an Arsenal point of view; in a way, it may feel like Edu has abandoned a project that is only half done.

Having done such a good job during his time at the Emirates, his exit will come as a blow to Arsenal as they try to continue to challenge for titles in the coming season.

Alexander Isak claim

Alexander Isak will be Arsenal’s top transfer target in January as they look to add to their attacking options, according to reports.

TEAMtalk claim that Isak is a ‘dream target’ for Arsenal, who have drawn up a short list of strikers to add competition for Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus. It’s also added that the striker is ‘keen’ to join a club who are competing for trophies and regularly qualifying for the Champions League.

The report also says that while Newcastle are keen to tie him down to a new, long-term deal, there is a 'major doubt’ that Isak will sign a new contract and could look to move on if there is a bid. It is, however, said that the Magpies would demand a minimum of £100 million if they were to sell in January.

FL says: Arsenal saw firsthand at the weekend what Isak can do. The striker scored the winning goal for Newcastle against the Gunners on Saturday.

A striker who is guaranteed to score in the Premier League could just prove to be the difference for Arsenal in a title race, both this season and in future campaigns. Newcastle are likely to fight to keep hold of the striker in January, but they may be more willing to do business in the summer.

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