Former Arsenal midfielder, Ray Parlour has encouraged his old club to pursue a summer move for Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak, even if it means shelling out a fee as hefty as the £100 million spent on Declan Rice.

While Arsenal has made strides in challenging for the Premier League title under Mikel Arteta’s guidance, they are aware that bolstering their squad in the transfer market will be essential to keep pace with Manchester City and maintain an edge over rivals such as Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester United, and Newcastle.

Last summer, the Gunners made significant investments, splurging over £200 million on new recruits like Kai Havertz, Jurrien Timber, and England midfielder Declan Rice, who became the club’s record signing after his move from West Ham.

Parlour suggests that Arsenal may need to match the £100 million fee paid for Rice to secure Isak’s services this summer, as he believes the Swedish striker could be the solution to their attacking woes.

“Isak is the type of player who could do well in this Arsenal team,” Parlour told Football FanCast on behalf of NetBet Sports Betting.

“He will suit Arsenal’s fluid style of play and can do well in this team with the likes of Saka, Martinelli, Havertz, Trossard and Odegaard supporting him.

“It’s important to have quality strikers as we had in our era with Wiltord, Kanu, Henry and Bergkamp. However, Newcastle will not want to lose their top striker.

“Fee wise, he will be similar to Rice’s fee, so if Newcastle are forced to sell, then yes he would take Arsenal forward. Isak is a player I like a lot.”

Isak, 24, has emerged as one of the most impressive and dynamic players in the Premier League over the past two seasons, netting an impressive 34 goals for Newcastle.