Rio Ferdinand tells Arsenal to sign Newcastle player amid FFP struggles that could transform their team

Rio Ferdinand has urged Arsenal to sign a Newcastle United player amid potential FFP issues.

The Magpies have invested heavily since being taken over by the Saudi Public Investment Fund in 2021.

Eddie Howe's side have managed to go from relegation candidates to top-four challengers, although they recently announced losses of £150 million.

Premier League rules could prevent Newcastle from spending and closing the gap on the rest of the big six. They may have to sell some of their valuable assets to improve their squad further.

Former Manchester United defender Ferdinand believes Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta should capitalise and place a bid for Alexander Isak.

The Sweden international joined Newcastle from Real Sociedad in a club-record transfer, becoming a cult hero within 18 months at St. James' Park.

Ferdinand believes he'd improve Arsenal, who struggled to score goals over the festive period.

Their options up front are Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah, who've got eight goals between them. It's a contrast to Isak, who has scored 10 goals.

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"Alexander Isak was running in behind constantly [against Manchester City], if I’m Arsenal, I’m going all out and buying him," Ferdinand explained on Vibe With Five.

"Why? They can’t spend... they’re struggling with [profit and sustainability rules]. I think there’s another jump up before [he goes to a club like Real Madrid]. I saw somewhere they have to sell before they can buy again."

Isak scored the equaliser in Newcastle's 3-2 defeat to Manchester City on Saturday evening.

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Darren Eales, Newcastle's chief executive, recently admitted no name is off the table when it comes to departures.

He said: "It’s difficult to say specifically on certain players, but I can say that if we’re going to get to where we want to get to, at times it is necessary to trade your players.

"Any decision we make will always be against the backdrop of the medium to long-term benefit for the club."