This bold move by one of Liverpool’s fiercest rivals has sent shockwaves through the football world, threatening to derail the Reds’ near-complete deal for the Premier League’s second-highest scorer last season, who had reportedly agreed to a £250,000-per-week contract with Liverpool.
Just hours ago, Liverpool appeared to have secured Isak’s signature after Newcastle rejected their initial £110m bid but softened their stance following the player’s refusal to join their pre-season tour, training instead at Real Sociedad amid his desire to leave.
Arne Slot’s side, buoyed by £136m in player sales—including Luis Díaz to Bayern Munich for £66m and Jarell Quansah—were ready to meet Newcastle’s £150m valuation, with personal terms already in place for a six-year deal until 2031.
Isak’s 23 Premier League goals in 2024/25, only behind Mohamed Salah, and his elite finishing (outperforming his 20.42 xG) made him the ideal fit for Slot’s 4-2-3-1 system alongside Hugo Ekitike.
However, Arsenal, fresh off their £63.5m signing of Viktor Gyökeres from Sporting CP, have now entered the fray with an unprecedented offer.
Mikel Arteta, aware of Liverpool’s financial flexibility but determined to assert Arsenal’s ambition, is reportedly willing to fund the £175m deal through potential sales of Eddie Nketiah and Aaron Ramsdale, alongside their status as the Premier League’s most profitable club, which allows them to spend over £200m without breaching PSR rules.
Isak’s versatility, dribbling, and link-up play, evidenced by his top-tier per-90 stats across Europe’s big five leagues, align perfectly with Arteta’s fluid attacking philosophy, prompting this audacious bid.
Newcastle, owned by Saudi Arabia’s PIF, are now faced with a dilemma. While they value Isak at £150m and had hoped to retain him or replace him with RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, Arsenal’s offer—£25m above their asking price—could prove too tempting, especially with Isak’s contract running until 2028 but his clear intent to leave.
Eddie Howe, who admitted Isak’s “short career” mindset, may struggle to keep the striker, particularly as Newcastle’s Champions League qualification hasn’t swayed his ambition to win major trophies.
For Liverpool, this hijack attempt is a bitter pill, especially after outmaneuvering Manchester United and Newcastle’s earlier interest in Sesko. Arsenal’s move not only threatens to steal their top target but also strengthens a direct rival, with the Gunners’ opening fixture against Liverpool on August 16, 2025, now looming as a potential early showdown.
Social media is ablaze with Liverpool fans expressing frustration, while Arsenal supporters are hailing Arteta’s ambition. With the transfer window closing in weeks, Liverpool may pivot to alternatives like Ollie Watkins or Nicolas Jackson, but replacing Isak’s proven 62 goals in 109 Newcastle appearances will be a tall order.
