Arsenal's January transfer activity has been controversial to say the least.
The Gunners have allowed Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Pablo Mari and Folarin Balogun to leave on loan whilst the likes of Sead Kolasinac and Calum Chambers have left on a permanent basis.
Despite trimming the squad of fringe players, technical director Edu has not brought in any major first-team signings, with supporters calling the club to sign a centre-forward given Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's potential move to Barcelona.
Mikel Arteta is looking for a long-term replacement for Aubameyang, as well as out-of-contract frontmen Eddie Nketiah and Alexandre Lacazette and the Spaniard had been pursuing prolific striker Dusan Vlahovic but as football.london reported earlier this month the Serbian international always preferred a move to one of the big Serie A clubs.
Eventually, Vlahovic joined Italian giants Juventus, leaving the north London club chasing alternatives. Real Sociedad's Alexander Isak has been heavily linked with Arteta's side and the Swedish international added fuel to the fire when he was spotted in the English capital on Saturday.
Now, Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo claim that the Gunners have seen a £58million offer rejected by Sociedad as the La Liga outfit want his £75million release clause paid in full, making a deal seem unlikely given there are just a few hours left before the window shuts.
The 22-year-old has previously made no secret of his desire to play in the Premier League one day, potentially leaving the door open for a future move to the Emirates Stadium.
Speaking to the Independent in November 2021, he said: “I’m in a good place at the moment, I’m very happy, but one day it would be nice to play in England as well.
“They have six or seven of the biggest clubs in the world, it’s a very high level, and of course one day it would be an alternative.
“Every player wants to be the best version of themselves and reach the highest possible level. I have expectations for myself that I’m trying to fulfil, so we’ll see where the journey takes me in future.”
