Arsenal dealt double transfer blow as two Premier League managers issue response

Newcastle’s Alexander Isak and Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo have been earmarked as two forwards who could solve Arsenal’s problems up front, with the former scoring 15 in the league so far and the latter netting 13

Arsenal have been handed a double transfer blow after learning January striker targets Alexander Isak and Bryan Mbeumo are unlikely to leave Newcastle and Brentford this month.

The Gunners are desperately seeking a new forward after losing Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus and Ethan Nwaneri to injuries, with Mikel Arteta playing a makeshift forward line of Raheem Sterling, Kai Havertz and Leandro Trossard in the 2-1 win against Tottenham on Wednesday night.

Arsenal have scored 41 goals this season but are lacking a reliable No 9 who can deliver the goals in big games and boost their title charge, with Kai Havertz currently their leading scorer on seven in the Premier League.

Isak, who has 15 goals in the league and Mbeumo, who has netted 13, have been earmarked as two forwards who could solve Arsenal’s problem. Isak in particular has been in superb form with nine goals in six games, which has only ramped up speculation.

But any hopes of snapping up either player appear to have been shut down by their managers. Newcastle boss Eddie Howe seemed unmoved by speculation linking his star forward Isak with an exit and urged the Swedish star to focus on performing for the team.

When asked if Isak was Europe’s most desired forward after their 3-0 win over Wolves, he replied: “Everyone tells me he is, everyone tells me he is! But I think he’s enjoying his football.

“We’re loving having him here, we love working with him. All I would urge him to do is focus on the next game.”

Meanwhile, Brentford boss Thomas Frank very swiftly shut down the prospect of Mbeumo leaving in January. When asked if there was a chance his forward could leave before the end of the window, he replied: “No. So, very easy to answer that question!”

Arteta was quizzed about the likelihood of the club signing a new striker this month after beating Spurs and the Spaniard admitted they are “actively” chasing a forward to bolster their ranks.

When asked if he was chasing a striker by Rio Ferdinand, he replied: “Yes, for sure because we lost two big players, Bukayo who could be out for up to three months and then Gabby who will be out for a long, long, long time.

“We are going to try [in this window] for sure. We are actively looking. We will try. Let’s see what we can get.”

Join our new WhatsApp communityand receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.