Arsenal Transfer News: Latest Rumours on Alexander Isak and M’Baye Niang

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Arsenal are once again linked with 17-year-old star Alexander Isak, with the latest reports from Italy suggesting fellow contenders Juventus could drop out of the race if the bidding process pushes the price through the roof.

According to Calciomercato, the Bianconeri and Bayern Munich are the Gunners’ main rivals in the battle to sign the young Swedish talent, although just about every top club has been linked with Isak.

The report suggests Juventus could drop out of the race as soon as Isak’s price tag starts to rise, a likely result if top clubs around the continent get involved. Per ESPN FC’s David Amoyal (h/t football journalist Jonathan Johnson), Paris Saint-Germain are already trying to move:

The AIK starlet has emerged as one of Europe’s top young prospects, drawing comparisons to compatriot Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Blessed with size, strength, raw pace and surprising maturity, the 1.90-metre-tall, 70-kilogram forward has already produced in the Swedish top division despite being just 17 years old.

Bleacher Report’s Sam Tighe is a fan:

Isak has the look of a future superstar, and it’s no surprise top clubs are hoping to strike a deal before his value rises through the roof.

Teenagers like Isak usually end up moving for a relatively low fee given the risks involved with developing a player and the fact that plenty of them never reach their potential.

But the AIK man looks different, having scored 11 goals already this season and flashing both his raw talent and versatility. While his playing style is comparable to Borussia Dortmund’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Isak has also split out wide and been just as effective.

Here’s a look at some of his highlights:

The Gunners have a solid reputation when it comes to talent development, but manager Arsene Wenger usually doesn’t spend big on players of Isak’s age. The likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona usually end up paying the big bucks and landing those kind of players.

If Juventus are already planning on getting out of the sweepstakes when the price starts to soar, expect Arsenal to follow suit.

An alternative could be AC Milan’s M’Baye Niang, who has been linked with the Gunners before and is once again rumoured to be a target for Wenger.

According to Calciomercato (h/t Football Whispers for Sky Sports), Arsenal are still tracking the Frenchman, with a fee of £31 million thought to be enough to convince the Rossoneri to sell.

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Niang has long been regarded as one of Milan’s brightest young prospects, and he’s finally starting to make good on his vast potential. Plagued by inconsistency and poor finishing for years, the 21-year-old has been much more efficient in the 2016-17 season.

His physical tools and impressive athleticism have always been his biggest calling cards, and the young forward has finally added a solid eye for goal to his repertoire. Here’s a look at some of his highlights:

Niang is an excellent young player with a bright future, and he could be Arsenal’s long-term answer at the striker position. A move seems unlikely, however, with Milan on the verge of being taken over by a Chinese consortium, per La Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t ESPN FC’s Ben Gladwell).

The new owners are expected to invest heavily and prioritise keeping hold of the club’s top youngsters, including Gianluigi Donnarumma, Manuel Locatelli, Alessio Romagnoli and Niang.