Liverpool and Arsenal have combined to spend nearly £550 million ($742 million) in a transfer arms race, yet the future of Newcastle forward Alexander Isak still hangs over Sunday’s showdown between the Premier League title rivals.
Defending champions Liverpool are Isak’s preferred destination should the Swedish striker manage to engineer an exit from Tyneside before Monday’s transfer deadline.
Newcastle are reportedly holding out for £150 million for the forward, who has publicly declared his desire to leave and is yet to feature this season.
The Reds have already committed £100 million to German midfielder Florian Wirtz, a fee that could rise to a British record £116 million, alongside £69 million for French forward Hugo Ekitike.
While Wirtz has struggled to impress, Ekitike has netted three times in as many games in the Premier League and Community Shield.
Liverpool have needed late drama to win both of their opening two league matches, edging Bournemouth 4-2 and Newcastle 3-2.
Sixteen-year-old Rio Ngumoha was their unlikely hero at St. James’ Park, while Federico Chiesa came off the bench to make a decisive contribution in the season opener.
Manager Arne Slot has insisted he is satisfied with his attacking options despite the departures of Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez and the tragic loss of Diogo Jota 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.
Liverpool have also invested in full-backs Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong, as well as 18-year-old Italian centre-back Giovanni Leoni. However, concerns remain about the defence.
Midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai was forced to deputise at right-back against Newcastle, while Ibrahima Konate’s uncertain future has contributed to a shaky start.
Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher voiced concern, saying, “I absolutely shudder to think where Liverpool would be without Virgil van Dijk.” Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi has emerged as a target to strengthen the backline.
Despite Liverpool’s heavy outlay, their net spend is reduced after raising over £200 million in sales.
Arsenal, meanwhile, opted not to pursue Isak and instead spread their £250 million spend across seven new signings.
Viktor Gyokeres has been tasked with solving the club’s long-standing need for a clinical striker and has already made an impact, scoring twice in a 5-0 victory over Leeds.
The Gunners also secured Eberechi Eze, who turned down a move to rivals Tottenham, while Martin Zubimendi, Noni Madueke, Cristhian Mosquera, Kepa Arrizabalaga and Christian Norgaard have all joined to bolster squad depth.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta explained the club’s approach: “We’ve learned the lesson from last season and the squad that you need right now.
That is why we acted in the market the way that we have done because you have so many games, anything can happen.”
Arsenal’s strong defensive foundation remains intact, having boasted the league’s best record at the back for the past two seasons.
Unlike Liverpool, the Gunners have opened their campaign with two straight wins without conceding a goal, setting the stage for a compelling title clash.