Jeremie Aliadiere: If Arsenal come knocking, Isak will make the move (Interview for NewBettingSites.uk)

Former Arsenal striker Jeremie Aliadiere has told NewBettingSites.uk that he believes Newcastle No9 Alexander Isak is too ambitious to want to stay at the club, as he has the desire to play for the best teams, capable of winning both the Premier League and Champions League.

Speaking to NewBettingSites.uk, Aliadiere said: “Regardless of whether Newcastle get Champions League football next season, I still think Alexander Isak would want to move to a club with more chance of winning major trophies such as the Premier League and the Champions League. Don’t get me wrong, winning the FA Cup or Carabao Cup is still an amazing achievement.

“If you’ve got the drive and desire to be winning the best trophies out there, you’ve got to be playing for the best teams. Unfortunately, Newcastle aren’t in a position at the moment to challenge for the Premier League and Champions League, Arsenal are in a better position in that sense.

“If Isak had the opportunity and everything financially was given the green light and accepted by both parties, I think he’d be more than happy joining Arsenal. I’ve always heard he’s a massive Thierry Henry fan which is why he wears the No14, so I’m sure wearing that number in an Arsenal shirt could be a dream of his.”

Arsenal need to be more direct

Aliadiere commented on Arsenal’s lack of a No9 this season, highlighting that an addition this summer would allow the Gunners to play more direct football when they have the ball high up the pitch.

He added: “I 100% think the addition of an out-and-out No9 would give Arsenal a much better shot at the Premier League title next season. I don’t necessarily think it’ll give them a better chance to score more goals, but more so their all-around play.

“I don’t think Arsenal have been direct enough this season. When they pick up the ball when they’re pressing high up the pitch, they slow the play right back down again. Although in some circumstances it’s brilliant to do just that, I feel like there are times where Arsenal really have a chance to step it up a gear and they don’t.

“You watch Liverpool this season and why they’ve been so efficient, they’ve got players like Mohamed Salah, Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota and Cody Gakpo, they all want the ball and to score as quick as they can. They’re not passing the ball around backwards; they want to go forward. Arsenal have the right players on the wings in Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli, but just haven’t had the right style of No9 that’s direct enough.”

Darwin Nunez would be a good signing for Arsenal

Although Darwin Nunez has many critics, Aliadiere praised the Liverpool striker, who he reckons could be an unbelievable goalscorer if given the opportunity to build his confidence back up.

Aliadiere added: “If Darwin Nunez went to Arsenal this summer, he’d get his chance straight away but it would depend on Mikel Arteta and what he wants to do. I know how much Arteta loves Kai Havertz and the way he plays, so there is the risk that a move to Arsenal for Nunez could be a similar story to that at Liverpool where he doesn’t play week-in, week-out.

“I do think there’s a very talented striker in Nunez, and if he were to get given a chance to really settle in and play every week to start building his confidence up and score goals, then he could be unbelievable.

“I love exciting, quick and attacking football which is why I’m such a fan of Nunez, but I know that’s not necessarily how Arteta likes to play so it just depends on what he’s looking for in that No9 position and what he wants them to bring to the team.”

Delap will get snapped up this summer

Aliadiere commented on Ipswich youngster Liam Delap who he thinks will be snapped up this summer by a big club, with his only concerns being whether or not he is signed as a first-choice striker or destined for a season on the bench as a super sub.

Aliadiere said: “Given Liam Delap’s young age, he’s more likely to get picked up by a top club this summer. He’s only 22, and to have such a good season at a club like Ipswich is very impressive. You’ve got to give him a chance and he won’t be that much of a financial burden in the current market.

“The only issue that would arise is whether or not the team buying him intends on playing him as their first-choice striker. What could happen is someone buys him so other teams miss out, and they keep him on the bench as a super sub. Some players need to play every week, though, and he’s one of those players that you get the most out of by playing them every week.”