Will Arsenal Regret Its Summer Business Now That Isak Is Available?

Arsenal has been busy this summer. The Gunners have spent $200m on six new signings with Viktor Gyokeres, Martin Zubimendi, Noni Madueke, Christian Norgaard, Cristhian Mosquera and Kepa Arrizabalaga all making the move to the Emirates Stadium ahead of the 2025/26 season. Mikel Arteta’s team looks stronger, at least on paper.

Many supporters, however, argue that Arsenal should have held out to land one of its long-term targets. For a long time, Alexander Isak was seen as the ideal addition to the Gunners’ squad with the Swedish striker widely considered one of the best centre forwards in the Premier League. Arsenal chased Isak in multiple transfer windows.

Isak was seen as out of reach until the 25-year-old told Newcastle United of his desire to depart the club this summer. Liverpool is now reportedly leading the pursuit of Isak who is equally keen to join the Premier League champions. One wonders how Arsenal would view its dream centre forward joining a rival team.

Arteta’s plan is to have as many different attacking options as possible heading into the 2025/26 season. In Gyokeres, Arsenal has signed an orthodox centre forward who will offer a penalty box presence. Madueke is a right-sided winger who will provide depth behind Bukayo Saka and is also capable of playing on the left.

Kai Havertz is fit again after missing the second half of last season. The German has spent a lot of time in the gym since returning from injury and is still exceptional as a link-up player in the final third, as he demonstrated by setting up Mikel Merino for a goal in the weekend friendly win over Newcastle.

Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Jesus and Ethan Nwaneri will all be important figures for Arsenal as it targets its first Premier League title since the days of Arsene Wenger. Merino could also be useful as a number nine, a role he performed due to injuries in the second half of the 2025/26 campaign.

Zubimendi will give Arsenal more security in possession in the centre of the pitch. The Spanish international has been signed to be the Gunners’ Rodri-type figure with Arteta a key figure in convincing Zubimendi that North London is the right place for him to continue his development after turning down Liverpool 12 months ago.

The signing of Isak, however, might have turned Arsenal from title pretenders to genuine contenders. Would Arteta and the decision-makers at the Emirates Stadium swap all their summer business for the single addition of one of the best strikers in the Premier League? Whether or not this should be a source of regret will be determined over the coming months.