Liverpool has sorted out one of the two main priorities that most people would have agreed on heading into the summer. In snapping up Milos Kerkez, the Reds have a major left-back upgrade who will inject fresh energy.
Arne Slot's men, though, could still do with a number nine. Florian Wirtz's arrival has added more attacking firepower, but getting an out-and-out striker would add even more depth in the final third heading into the new season.
Here is the Liverpool.com verdict on the transfer gossip to emerge around the Reds today. Links with Alexander Isak are not going anywhere, but we start with the young French forward Hugo Ekitike.
Hugo Ekitike (Eintracht Frankfurt)
Arsenal could join the transfer race for Hugo Ekitike this summer as Mikel Arteta searches for a new number nine. So far, the Gunners have been frustrated in their attempts to find an upgrade in that position.
According to BILD, Arsenal views Ekitike as a viable alternative to Benjamin Sesko (RB Leipzig) and Viktor Gyokeres (Sporting CP). That pair could be on the move in the next few weeks, but are going to be incredibly expensive deals to do.
Fanatics Official Sports Apparel — Liverpool
Liverpool and Chelsea have both taken a look at the Frenchman, though the latter has already signed Liam Delap and is set to bring in Joao Pedro from Brighton too. The Reds, meanwhile, are on the hunt for a number nine but might be put off by the price.
As it stands, Frankfurt is demanding in excess of $100M for its forward. It should be no surprise, then, that Ekitike is still there for now. And with Champions League soccer secured for next season, the Bundesliga side is under no financial pressure to cash in.
Liverpool.com says: Ekitike scored 22 goals last season and is a good talent, but he is a little raw at the moment. As Harvey Elliott found out last season, Arne Slot only wants nailed-on world-class players in his team, so it would be a risk.
Alexander Isak (Newcastle United)
Newcastle United forward Alexander Isak has told Newcastle United that he would be open to leaving but the club is still not willing to let him go. That is according to Gianluca Di Marzio.
"Isak would like to leave," the Italian told Ace Odds. "But Newcastle are not open to that, at the moment.
"So it depends on Newcastle and Isak's discussion, if the club will be open to having him on the market. Newcastle is a tough club and they want to keep their best players for next season, including Sandro Tonali.
Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak.
Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak. (Image: George Wood/Getty Images)
"Isak would like to look at other options because at the end of this season, he had the promise from the club and the coach but Newcastle haven't acted seriously on that yet."
Liverpool would likely have to pay more than the $157 million (£116 million) package that it put together for Florian Wirtz to bring in Isak, but that might be appealing given the dearth of quality options available on the market — only in the event that Newcastle changes its mind, which it has shown no intention of doing so for the time being.
Liverpool.com says: Isak is one of the dream options, alongside Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez. If it happens, then Liverpool would be getting a sure thing. Newcastle, though, is not going to make that easy, even if the rumors are going to continue.