Mikel Arteta has heaped praise on Alexander Isak, Arsenal's primary transfer target, ahead of tonight's Carabao Cup semi-final first leg against Newcastle United. The Sweden international has been in scintillating form, scoring in seven consecutive games, including last weekend's 2-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur.
Arsenal are desperate to bolster their attacking options in the January window following a serious hamstring injury to Bukayo Saka. However, Newcastle's astronomical valuation of the 25-year-old, reportedly around £150 million, makes a move this month virtually impossible.
Arteta acknowledged the threat Isak poses, saying: 'He's a top player in top form scoring a lot of goals and we try to minimise the strength of the opposition. That's a big part of the plan when we're playing any opponent.'
The Gunners' attacking woes have been compounded by an injury to teenage sensation Ethan Nwaneri. The 17-year-old, who impressed in recent games, suffered a setback during Saturday's 1-1 draw at Brighton and is set for a spell on the sidelines. Arteta expressed his disappointment, noting that Nwaneri had 'earned the right to step up' but that the injury would 'stop that a little bit'.
