Arne Slot’s Liverpool side had positioned themselves strongly in the race for Alexander Isak, buoyed by a significant financial boost from recent player sales amounting to £136 million. Key among those departures were Luis Díaz, who joined Bayern Munich for £66 million, and emerging talent Jarell Quansah.
These funds gave Liverpool the capability to match Newcastle United’s hefty £150 million valuation for Isak. Reports indicated that personal terms on a six-year contract running through 2031 had already been agreed, and the club was confident in finalizing the deal.
Isak’s profile made him a dream fit for Slot’s tactical blueprint. The Swedish striker netted 23 goals in the Premier League during the 2024/25 season, second only to Mohamed Salah.
His elite-level finishing, outperforming an expected goals (xG) tally of 20.42, as well as his composure and movement, made him an ideal centrepiece for Liverpool’s evolving 4-2-3-1 setup alongside Hugo Ekitike.
However, Liverpool’s pursuit has now been complicated by a dramatic intervention from Arsenal. Mikel Arteta’s side, fresh off completing a £63.5 million deal for Viktor Gyökeres from Sporting CP, have suddenly entered the race for Isak with an extraordinary counter-offer.
Determined to match Liverpool’s intent and showcase Arsenal’s financial firepower, Arteta is reportedly ready to fund a staggering £175 million bid.
This would be enabled through potential sales of Eddie Nketiah and Aaron Ramsdale and supported by Arsenal’s current status as the Premier League’s most profitable club—one that allows over £200 million in spending without breaching financial fair play regulations.
Isak’s versatility, technical dribbling, and sharp link-up play perfectly align with Arteta’s attacking philosophy.
His statistical output across Europe places him among the continent’s top forwards per 90 minutes, further justifying Arsenal’s ambitious move.
Newcastle United, backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), are now under pressure. While their valuation of £150 million still stands, Arsenal’s £25 million premium may be too tempting to reject.
Despite Isak being under contract until 2028, his ambition to compete for major trophies is reportedly pushing him toward the exit. Eddie Howe may find it difficult to retain the striker, especially since Newcastle’s Champions League qualification hasn’t dampened Isak’s desire to take the next step in his career.
This surprise twist is a significant blow to Liverpool, who had already edged out rivals Manchester United and Newcastle in their pursuit of Benjamin Sesko earlier in the window. Arsenal’s aggressive move not only jeopardizes Liverpool’s primary transfer target but also potentially strengthens a direct Premier League competitor.
With both sides set to clash on August 16, 2025, this transfer saga adds another layer of intensity to an already anticipated showdown.
Social media has erupted in reaction—Liverpool fans are voicing their disappointment while Arsenal supporters are hailing the club’s boldness.
With time running out before the transfer window shuts, Liverpool may now be forced to explore other options, such as Ollie Watkins or Nicolas Jackson. However, replacing Isak’s prolific record of 62 goals in 109 appearances for Newcastle will be no easy task.
