Mikel Arteta sends Arsenal transfer message as Alexander Isak statement speaks volumes

Just a few months ago, Newcastle United were flying. They had dumped Arsenal out of a League Cup semi-final, mocked them on the way to lifting their first domestic trophy in 70 years, and sealed a dream return to the Champions League. Arsenal, meanwhile, were left empty-handed after a promising season faded.

Fast forward to this summer in Singapore and the momentum has shifted dramatically.

As Arsenal paraded new £63m striker Viktor Gyokeres before kick-off, Newcastle were digesting the growing prospect of losing their star frontman Alexander Isak. On the pitch, Mikel Arteta's side beat the Magpies 3-2,but it was the scenes off the pitch that best captured the changing fortunes of the two clubs.

Arteta now has six summer signings through the door, and he isn’t done yet. Crystal Palace ’s Eberechi Eze is next on the list as Arsenal look to build a squad capable of finally getting over the line.

"We do have plans, we do have a lot of options and we are increasing the quality and depth of the squad with all the signings we've done," said Arteta. "We are super happy to have Victor with us. It's been a long journey to get him over here. You can see the boys and the environment, very excited with his arrival."

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Arsenal showed their new strength in depth in the win over Newcastle. Anthony Elanga gave the Magpies an early lead, but Arsenal hit back with goals from Mikel Merino and an Alex Murphy own goal. Jacob Murphy levelled the game in the second half before Martin Odegaard sealed the win from the spot.

While Arsenal look ready to challenge on all fronts, Newcastle appear to be regressing and Eddie Howe knows it.

"No, nothing's changed with his situation," Howe said when asked about Isak. "Naturally I think we're going to miss a player of Alex's quality and the group are going to feel that. There's no denying that."

With no new striker lined up yet, Howe finished the game juggling game time for young, inexperienced forwards William Osula and Sean Nieve. It was a situation that underlines their current predicament.

"Yeah, of course we're not deluded. We know that we need to bring players in. We've known that for a long time. It's been a challenging transfer window. Let's see what we can do towards the end of it."

Asked if Isak might join the team in South Korea for the next leg of the Asia tour, Howe was blunt: "No. No chance."

And on watching Arsenal spend big while Newcastle struggle to land their targets, Howe was diplomatic but honest: "From my perspective, you can never judge yourselves against other clubs. They will do what they have to do. We've got to try and do what we have to do."

And Howe will have been irritated at best when he left the Singapore National Stadium to learn his latest transfer target, Brentford’s Yoane Wissa is having his dream move to St James’ potentially derailed. The Bees want a premium price as they are reluctant to lose another key player having already sold Christian Norgaard and Bryan Mbeumo. Wissa is reportedly threatening not to play if he is made to stay in west London.

At the end of May, Newcastle looked like the team on the rise and Arsenal were working out how to take the final steps to silverware.

Now, it is Arteta who is smiling and Howe left hoping the next few weeks do not define a season before it even begins.

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