Alexander Isak continues to be linked with a move to Liverpool
Alexander Isak continues to be linked with a move to Liverpool
Competition looks to have dropped off in the transfer race for Alexander Isak with Liverpool remaining huge fans of the Newcastle striker.
Although not officially confirmed yet, Arne Slot's team has set the summer transfer scene alight with the expected £100m signing of Florian Wirtz from RB Leipzig - including £16m of add-ons.
With the main summer transfer window now open, the Reds are still in the hunt for more players to join their Premier League-winning squad. Liverpool are also in the market to sell players with Darwin Nunez likely to leave the club and Luiz Diaz attracting interest from Barcelona and the Middle East.
However, if Slot is to let some of his attacking unit depart, that would depend on the club bringing in players to replace them. One star forward who the ECHO understands the Reds remain a huge fan of is Isak, and the Merseyside-based club seem to have a better chance of signing him than ever.
Liverpool's Premier League rivals Arsenal were often seen as front-runners in the race to sign Isak with Mikel Arteta in desperate need of a prolific striker to support the Gunners' title charge next season.
RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko appears to be nearing a move to Arsenal (Image: Getty Images)
Arsenal also had Viktor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko on their list of potential forwards. Signing all of these players was not going to be an option for Arteta due to competition and expenses. But after months of deliberation, the Gunners look to have picked their striker, and it isn't Isak.
Despite holding talks with Gyokeres, and reportedly proposing an offer, Arsenal look to be pulling out of negotiations with the Swede and further pursuing talks with Sesko. Leipzig are said to be looking for a fee of £68m-£85.5m for their star man.
Arsenal supposedly aren't willing to pay that price but remain in contact with the 22-year-old forward, with the two parties reportedly having reached a verbal agreement, according to outlets in Germany.
This agreement could see the Gunners put Isak to one side and leave Liverpool with a clear run to sign the Newcastle player if they choose to do so.
It will have to be another big spend for the Reds with the latest figures released by the CIES Football Observatory valuing the Swede between €85million (£72m) and €108million (£91m). However, if they are to raise enough funds from player sales and sign Isak, it would be a massive hit to Arsenal ahead of what is set to be a tough title race.
The Swede would be a straight swap for Nunez if the Uruguayan leaves the club. Isak is elegant on the ball and is often seen dropping deep to support his team. And when faced with a shot on goal, the Magpie has one of the fiercest strikes in Europe.
In his last two seasons under Eddie Howe, Isak has scored 52 goals and provided eight assists. His energy could match the pressing play often seen in Slot's teams. With Mohamed Salah on the right and Isak down the middle, it would be a terrifying attack for opponents. As for now, the Reds have not made an official move for the Newcastle striker.