Arsenal already have dream Alexander Isak masterplan as Kai Havertz injury sparks transfer need

It’s been a long summer, but there are still just under two weeks to go before the transfer window slams shut on September 1.

Arsenal have been active in the market so far, securing a number of key additions, including Viktor Gyokeres and Martin Zubimendi. However, the recent injury blow to Kai Havertz, while the club awaits the full prognosis of a reported knee issue, means there’s still work to be done.

football.london understands Havertz suffered the injury against Manchester United at the weekend and the player is not set to undergo scans to determine the extent of any damage.

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Where Arsenal turn in the market from here is anyone’s guess, but there are certainly opportunities worth considering. Chief among them? Alexander Isak.

The wantaway Newcastle United striker has been on strike this summer in an attempt to force a move to Liverpool. So far, the Reds have yet to meet Newcastle’s asking price, largely due to the Magpies’ unwillingness to negotiate without first securing a suitable replacements.

Still, it remains to be seen whether the 25-year-old’s position at St James’ Park becomes so untenable that a sale becomes inevitable. While that scenario remains unlikely, Arsenal could do worse than explore the possibility of swooping in to beat their rivals to one of the continent’s top striking talents.

Of course, Gyokeres was brought in this summer, but he will almost certainly need an adaptation period to settle into the Premier League. It's also worth noting that Isak and Gyokeres regularly play together for their national team - and could ultimately do so for Arsenal as well.

Sweden boss Jon Dahl Tomasson explained last month that the two are more than capable of thriving in the same side. The national team typically deploys a front two featuring both forwards, with Tottenham’s Dejan Kulusevski playing just behind them as part of Dahl Tomasson's tactical masterplan.

“We are fortunate to have both Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres up front, but in general, we have a good squad with a lot of exciting talent,” he told FIFA in an interview. “When I started, there was some doubt from others about whether the two of them - Isak and Gyokeres - could play together.

“Now, I don’t think anyone would question that. We also have Dejan Kulusevski, and this trio has the potential to create a lot together. However, they need the support of the entire team - every single player is important in my style of football.

“It’s crucial that everybody works hard to win the ball back and play it forward with quick touches. That’s how we set them up for success - putting them in the right position to make the most of their abilities.”

For Arsenal, such a move would require a tactical tweak and may not suit Bukayo Saka’s strengths. But in terms of versatility and offering different ways to win matches, it’s food for thought.

Gunners captain Martin Odegaard could easily play the role behind Isak and Gyokeres that Kulusevski does, however, and the Newcastle forward's arrival in north London would offer Arteta an opportunity to mix-up his matchday tactics and keep opponents off-guard.

Whether it’s Isak or another forward, the Gunners still need more firepower, and the clock is ticking, with just 12 days left before the window closes.