Credit: Manh Tung, Breaking Media / Imago

Ben Palmer

Sat 9 August 2025 8:00, UK

Alexander Isak remains Liverpool’s top target this summer but Darwin Nunez’s departure is not a guarantee of the Swedish striker’s arrival despite an “aggressive” new move.

'Chelsea backed to seal shock Marc Guehi return amid Liverpool interest'	Transfer news LIVE: Liverpool deal done, Man Utd £100m approach, Isak decision	'It's done, Welcome to Liverpool' - Fans react to explosive Alexander Isak twist

The former Real Sociedad forward scored 23 Premier League goals last term, with only Mohamed Salah bettering that tally.

But a combination of Newcastle failing to open contract talks last summer and interest from the Premier League champions this window has led to the Tyneside star wanting to leave.

(Credit Getty Images)

Liverpool’s opening offer of £110million for Isak was rejected by Newcastle, with the 25-year-old refusing to train for a brief period afterwards.

And whilst the Reds stated that they were prepared to end their pursuit of the Sweden international, their sale of Darwin Nunez to Al-Hilal has opened up a vacancy at the number nine position.

This article contains exclusive comment from Dan Plumley, a football finance expert and senior lecturer at Sheffield Hallam University.

Whilst the logical solution for Liverpool would be to sign a new striker, since one has just left, that does not guarantee that is how things will play out.

MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES

Speaking to Football Insider exclusively, Plumley explained that Arne Slot’s side could play without a striker, although he still expects the Premier League champions to push through a move for the forward.

He said: “People will naturally draw those conclusions, and I understand that.

Florian Wirtz is capable of playing as a false nine.

(Credit: Imago)

“I still think the way that squad looks, looking at the players that they’ve signed and where they can play, they could operate without a number nine.

“We’ve seen them do that in the past without a traditional number nine.

“It’s easy to look at it as, one striker’s gone out, then that means that they’re going to go for a new striker.

“It’s no secret that Isak is on their radar because they’ve had an initial bid rejected.

“But I do think it’s likely now that we see a bit more aggression from Liverpool to try and get that deal done, and that’ll be the one that they’ll chase first and foremost.”

Having won the title at a canter last year, Liverpool’s rivals have been aggressive in the transfer market in a bid to challenge Slot’s side.

Chelsea, Arsenal, and Man City have all upgraded key areas of weakness and will be stiff competition.

Arsenal have finally secured the number nine their fans craved.

(Credit: Manh Tung, Breaking Media)

Speaking to Football Insider exclusively, Matt Le Tissier predicted that Liverpool will win the Premier League title if Isak moves to Anfield.

The Reds have strengthened in several areas, and adding one of the league’s best strikers will turn them into an unstoppable force.

Related Posts


For more news relating to Arsenal, visit our sister site AFC Latest Live.