NEWCASTLE star Alexander Isak drew comparisons to Arsenal legend Thierry Henry after his double against Sheffield United.
Isak, 24, damned the Blades to relegation from the Premier League as he led the Magpies to a 5-1 triumph with a brace at St James’ Park.
But it was the striker’s equaliser that went viral as his brilliant movement met a stunning through ball by Jacob Murphy from midfield to beat Wes Foderingham from a tight angle down the right.
That brought back glimpses of Henry’s deadly finishes that made him the Gunners’ all-time leading scorer with 228 goals in 377 appearances throughout his glittering stint in north London.
Arsenal have been strongly linked with the Sweden international, with manager Mikel Arteta prioritising a striker signing ahead of the summer transfer window.
And the Newcastle star is among the North Londoners’ top candidates to spearhead the frontline next season.
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However, SunSport have revealed that Arsenal are facing competition with Barcelona also keeping tabs on Isak.
Nevertheless, the Swede’s suitors are confident the Toon would be tempted to discuss a deal as they face having to balance the books to satisfy FFP and PSR rules.
And Arsenal fans are adamant that would make for a sensational signing as they suggest Isak could become the next Henry.
One fan tweeted: “I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, this guy should be playing for Arsenal.”
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Another commented: “It’s literally Henry.”
A third posted: “Isak is honestly the closest player I’ve seen in terms of positions he takes up, movements, style of play, even down to his mannerisms, celebrations & arrogance to Thierry Henry, it’s uncanny.
Tactics Exposed: Why Kai Havertz is Arsenal’s most important player
By Dean Scoggins
KAI HAVERTZ endured a difficult start to life at the Emirates after his big-money move from Chelsea.
But has now well and truly found his feet.
The German, 24, has found his scoring boots in recent weeks, including his double against his old club.
But Havertz has been providing much more than goals in recent months.
In fact he has become Mikel Arteta’s most important player as Arsenal go for the title.
That’s after the Spanish boss made a genius tactical switch.
Click here to read all about it.
Or to watch the brilliant video in full on YouTube.
“I’m not saying he has Henry’s quality but they’re just so similar it’s weird.”
This fan said: “Isak has so much Thierry Henry in his game.”
And that one stated: “Isak is lethal. Closest thing I’ve seen in the @premierleague to Henry.”
Isak has now registered a staggering 19 Premier League goals in 26 appearances and is only one behind from the English top flight’s leading scorers Erling Haaland as well as Cole Palmer.
Mikel Arteta’s striker shopping list
By Jordan Davies
ARSENAL are stepping up plans to sign a world-class striker in the summer after their Champions League heartbreak.
Mikel Arteta splashed out £204.5m last summer on Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber.
But the Spanish manager accepts he needs a proven goalscorer to take the club to the next level.
And here are the players he is looking at to get the Gunners firing:
BENJAMIN SESKO (RB Leipzig, value £40m-£45m)
One for the future at 20 years old. Scored 16 goals for RB Salzburg in the Austrian Bundesliga last season and the Slovenian has carried on that good form in Germany with Leipzig this campaign.
VIKTOR GYOKERES (Sporting Lisbon, value £60m-£80m)
Been scouted several times this season. The Swedish striker, 25, is more of a traditional No 9 so may not suit Arsenal’s demand for flexibility but would bring a physicality that boss Mikel Arteta craves.
ALEXANDER ISAK (Newcastle, value £75m-£85m)
Impressed in his first two seasons in English football. The Swede, 24, has the pace and finesse to match his finishing ability, and Eddie Howe’s Toon may need to sell to balance the books this summer.
JOSHUA ZIRKZEE (Bologna, value £45m-£50m)
Dutch wonder is attracting the attentions of clubs across Europe. At 6ft 4in the 22-year-old forward would have no trouble adapting to the Premier League and already has an eye for goal.
XAVI SIMONS (RB Leipzig, value £70m-£80m)
An incredible talent in the Bukayo Saka mould, currently on loan from Paris Saint-Germain. The future of the Dutch attacker, 20, depends on how much money his parent club want to make from him.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
