A daring move by one of Liverpool’s biggest rivals has sent shockwaves through the football world, threatening to disrupt the Reds’ near-complete signing of the Premier League’s second-top scorer from last season, who was reportedly set to earn £250,000 per week at Liverpool.
Just hours ago, Liverpool seemed poised to secure Isak after Newcastle rejected their initial £110 million offer but softened their stance following Isak’s refusal to join their pre-season tour—choosing instead to train with Real Sociedad due to his desire to leave.
Arne Slot’s squad, strengthened by £136 million in player sales—including Luis Díaz’s £66 million transfer to Bayern Munich and Jarell Quansah—were prepared to meet Newcastle’s £150 million valuation, with personal terms for a six-year deal through 2031 already agreed.
Isak’s 23 Premier League goals in 2024/25, second only to Mohamed Salah, along with his exceptional finishing (exceeding a 20.42 expected goals tally), made him a perfect fit for Slot’s 4-2-3-1 formation alongside Hugo Ekitike.
However, Arsenal, fresh off signing Viktor Gyökeres for £63.5 million from Sporting CP, have now entered the race with a groundbreaking offer.
Mikel Arteta, aware of Liverpool’s financial strength but eager to demonstrate Arsenal’s ambition, is reportedly ready to fund a £175 million deal by offloading Eddie Nketiah and Aaron Ramsdale, leveraging Arsenal’s status as the Premier League’s most profitable club, which permits spending over £200 million without violating financial fair play rules.
Isak’s versatility, dribbling skills, and link-up play—highlighted by elite per-90 metrics across Europe’s top leagues—fit perfectly with Arteta’s dynamic attacking style, prompting this bold bid.
Newcastle, owned by Saudi Arabia’s PIF, now face a tough decision.
While valuing Isak at £150 million and hoping either to keep him or replace him with RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, Arsenal’s £25 million premium could prove irresistible—especially since Isak’s contract runs until 2028 but he clearly wants to leave.
Manager Eddie Howe, recognizing Isak’s “short career” mentality, may find it hard to hold onto the striker, particularly since Newcastle’s Champions League qualification hasn’t altered his desire to win major trophies.
For Liverpool, this hijacking is a major setback, especially after outmaneuvering Manchester United and Newcastle in the earlier Sesko pursuit.
Arsenal’s move threatens not only to snatch their prime target but also to strengthen a direct rival, with the Gunners scheduled to face Liverpool on August 16, 2025—a potential early clash.
Social media is buzzing, with Liverpool fans voicing frustration while Arsenal supporters celebrate Arteta’s bold ambition.
With the transfer window closing soon, Liverpool might turn to alternatives like Ollie Watkins or Nicolas Jackson, but replacing Isak’s impressive tally of 62 goals in 109 appearances for Newcastle will be a formidable challenge.
