Premier League: Alexander Isak And Transfers In Focus As Arsenal Visit Liverpool

Last Updated:August 26, 2025, 20:40 IST

Liverpool and Arsenal spent nearly £550 million in transfers and yet transfer dealing weighn heavy ahead of theor Premier League clash.

Will Alexander Isak leave Newcastle United? (AP)

Liverpool and Arsenal have collectively spent nearly £550 million ($742 million) in a transfer battle, yet the future of Newcastle forward Alexander Isak remains uncertain ahead of Sunday’s Premier League clash between the title rivals.

Defending champions Liverpool are Isak’s preferred destination if he can secure an exit from Tyneside before Monday’s transfer deadline.

However, the early season performances of Arne Slot’s team have raised questions about whether Liverpool should invest further in their attack or focus on strengthening a defence that has been vulnerable so far this season.

Newcastle are reportedly demanding £150 million for Isak, who has publicly expressed his desire to leave and has not featured this season.

Liverpool have already committed £100 million to German midfielder Florian Wirtz, potentially rising to a British transfer record £116 million, and £69 million for French forward Hugo Ekitike.

While Wirtz has been underwhelming, Ekitike has scored three goals in as many games in the Premier League and Community Shield.

Liverpool needed late heroics to win their first two Premier League games in high-scoring encounters, beating Bournemouth 4-2 and Newcastle 3-2.

Sixteen-year-old Rio Ngumoha was their unexpected hero at St. James’ Park on Monday, with Newcastle fighting to the end, motivated by their anger over Liverpool’s pursuit of Isak.

Federico Chiesa also made a crucial contribution for Liverpool after coming off the bench against Bournemouth.

Slot has stated he is content with his attacking options despite the departures of Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez and the tragic loss of Diogo Jota, who died in a car accident last month.

“I am happy with the squad but if we think there is a player who can really make us better then this club has always shown they can bring them in," said Slot.

“But it needs to be everything we want: right transfer fee, right position and the player wants to come to us.

“I don’t think (it will be a busy end to the summer transfer window) because (that would mean) I would be unhappy with the squad."

Liverpool have also invested in new full-backs Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong and talented 18-year-old Italian centre-back Giovanni Leoni.

However, many believe they need more defensive reinforcements before the window closes.

Midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai had to play at right-back against Newcastle, while Ibrahima Konate’s uncertainty over his future has contributed to a poor start to the campaign.

“He is not at the races at all," said former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher. “I absolutely shudder to think where Liverpool would be without Virgil van Dijk."

Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi has been identified as a potential partner for Van Dijk in central defence.

What About Arsenal?

Despite spending slightly more than Arsenal on new signings, Liverpool’s net spend is significantly smaller after raising over £200 million from sales.

The Gunners resisted the temptation to spend on Isak to solve their need for a clinical striker, instead spreading their £250 million spend over seven new signings.

Viktor Gyokeres has been signed to score the goals to propel Arsenal to their first title since 2004 after finishing second for the past three seasons.

The Swede scored twice in Saturday’s 5-0 thrashing of Leeds.

Eberechi Eze received a hero’s welcome at the Emirates before that match after rejecting a move to north London rivals Tottenham.

Martin Zubimendi has added more strength to Mikel Arteta’s midfield, while Noni Madueke, Cristhian Mosquera, Kepa Arrizabalaga, and Christian Norgaard add extra depth to the squad.

“We’ve learned the lesson from last season and the squad that you need right now," said Arteta.

“That is why we acted in the market the way that we have done because you have so many games, anything can happen."

Crucially, Arsenal are building on solid foundations.

Arteta’s team has had the best defence in the Premier League for the past two seasons and, in stark contrast to Liverpool, have won their first two games without conceding a goal.

(With inputs from AFP)

Ritayan Basu

Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes cricket content, havin...Read More

Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes cricket content, havin...

Read More

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First Published:

August 26, 2025, 20:40 IST

News sports Premier League: Alexander Isak And Transfers In Focus As Arsenal Visit Liverpool

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