Newcastle star Alexander Isak remains a top target for Liverpool this transfer window.
Arsenal have been strongly linked with Isak, with Mikel Arteta a massive fan of the player.
However, it appears that their interest could be fading due to the much stronger intent being shown by Arne Slot’s side, with Liverpool now ahead of Arsenal in the race to sign Isak.
Newcastle are keen on keeping Isak, however, if they are forced to sell, Isak could cost more than £120m.
Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images
Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images
Liverpool in pole position to sign Alexander Isak
According to TBR Football chief correspondent, Graeme Bailey has now provided the latest on Liverpool’s pursuit of Isak.
As per Bailey, Liverpool view Isak as their “dream” signing, and the Reds are in ‘pole position’ should he become available.
Meanwhile, Arsenal, long-term admirers of the 25-year-old, appear to have backed off, largely due to Liverpool’s growing confidence in the race.
He said: “People aren’t talking about Alexander Isak at the moment He is still going to be the big story this summer.
“He really is. This new contract has to be done. Newcastle do have him under contract for more than one year, but we know that’s not how modern football works. Alexander Isak as of now is on less than Callum Wilson.
“Newcastle purport and whether you agree with them or not. They think Isak’s the best striker in the world. Okay, well, you have to pay him as such.
“So go to Newcastle’s current highest earner, I think Bruno’s around 150k. They’re willing to go to 200k. Are they willing to go to 250k? I’m not entirely convinced they are. I think they’ll need to. If they don’t, and if it comes out that Isak’s rejected the contract, it’s really all going to kick off.
“Liverpool are keeping their power to dry, right? Liverpool still see him as their dream signing and there’s a reason that Liverpool aren’t really going overboard in the striker one.
When asked if the Reds remain an option for Isak even after reportedly spending over £100m on Wirtz, Bailey said:
“100% 100%. Liverpool were in for a mega summer this summer. They’ve got the funds and the resources there to do both deals. Just look at the potential sales: Kelleher, Nunez, Jota, Chiesa, those four alone could cover the Wirtz fee, and they already had a significant war chest set aside for a striker.
“Isak is the dream and I think because Liverpool’s confidence that’s where Arsenal’s interest is waning slightly.
“I’ve been told Liverpool in pole position. If Isak leaves Liverpool are in pole position and I think Arsenal learned that and that’s why they backed off slightly as well not just because they can’t afford him because Arsenal probably could if they wanted to because it’s 120 million.
Steven Gerrard backs Liverpool to have a big summer transfer window
Liverpool have already signed Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen.
They are also closing in on a deal for Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez, with reports suggesting that the Reds will sign Kerkez next.
Liverpool are also in advanced talks to sign Wirtz, with the Merseyside giants ready to shatter the British transfer record to sign him.
When asked about the club’s transfer activity so far, Gerrard backed his former club to ‘fix the roof while the sun is shining’. Speaking to TNT Sport, he said: “I think you’ve got to fix the roof while the sun is shining.
“We never had a big summer window last year because we already had a team and a squad ready to challenge, but I think if you want to go to the next step, it’s important to keep improving, keep pushing.
“Frimpong’s done and there’s obviously a lot of rumours swirling around really good, talented players. It looks like Liverpool are going to be the team to catch, and I have every confidence they are going to be stronger next year.
“There are rumours obviously, Florian Wirtz. A big talent, who’s done fantastic for Xabi Alonso at Leverkusen.
“He’s got a huge future in front of him, so if Liverpool is the place for him, let’s hope we can make it happen.”