Chelsea would be guaranteed a top 4 finish if they sign Newcastle striker Alexander Isak, according to Paul Merson.

Writing in his column for Sky Sports, Merson said that the Swedish international is someone who could have a massive impact if he were to join the Blues or his former club Arsenal:

“If I was a Chelsea or an Arsenal, I’d be breaking the bank for Isak. If Chelsea got Isak, they’d be a certainty for a top-four finish. If Arsenal got him, they’d win the league.”

It is believed that the Blues did make an enquiry for Isak earlier in the summer, but a deal never got off the ground; most likely because of the forward’s sky-high price tag.

How much would Isak cost?

Reports suggest a fee in excess of £100m would be needed to secure the 24-year-old’s signature, which is not a figure that Chelsea can afford, especially after investing heavily on other players.

Enzo Maresca’s side have recently splashed out £54m on Wolves’ Pedro Neto, having already brought in nine other signings over the the last couple of months, including the likes of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Filip Jorgensen, Omari Kellyman, Filip Jorgensen and Renato Veiga.

Who could Chelsea sign instead?

There is a possibility that the London club could bring in two forwards before the transfer window closes at the end of this month. After a deal for Samu Omorodion collapsed, it is believed that the Blues are negotiating a deal for his teammate Joao Felix. Conversations with his agent Jorge Mendes have taken place.

Discussions are also going on concurrently with Napoli for Victor Osimhen, but a move for the Nigerian international is pretty complicated. The Blues don’t have the funds to buy him outright this summer so some sort of loan arrangement will have to be negotiated.

Find out who is in Chelsea’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here