Liverpool transfer rumours continue to swirl, with fresh reports linking Alexander Isak to the Reds, while another Premier League side has now joined the chase for Eintracht Frankfurt talent Hugo Ekitike.
One of the key summer objectives has already been addressed, with the signing of Milos Kerkez offering a significant boost at left-back. The Hungarian brings a burst of energy and represents a notable upgrade in that position.
However, Arne Slot’s squad still appears to lack a natural number nine. Although the arrival of Florian Wirtz has bolstered the attack, adding a traditional centre-forward would provide crucial depth in the final third as preparations for the new campaign continue.
Here is Newsnow Liverpool take on the latest transfer speculation involving the Reds. While talk surrounding Alexander Isak remains persistent, attention now turns to the emerging French forward Hugo Ekitike.
Hugo Ekitike (Eintracht Frankfurt)
Arsenal are reportedly ready to enter the race for Hugo Ekitike this summer, with Mikel Arteta continuing his pursuit of a new number nine. So far, the Gunners have faced setbacks in their efforts to strengthen that position.
As per BILD, Ekitike is being considered as an alternative to Benjamin Sesko of RB Leipzig and Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres. Both forwards could be on the move in the coming weeks, but any deal would require a substantial financial outlay.
Liverpool and Chelsea have also shown interest in the French striker. Chelsea, however, have already secured Liam Delap and are closing in on Joao Pedro from Brighton. Liverpool, still in need of a central striker, could hesitate due to the high valuation.
Frankfurt are said to be holding out for a fee exceeding \$100 million, which explains why Ekitike remains with the Bundesliga outfit for now. With Champions League football secured for next season, the German side has no pressing need to sell.
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Ekitike netted 22 goals last season and clearly possesses talent, but he remains somewhat unpolished. As Harvey Elliott experienced last season, Arne Slot is focused on building a squad filled with proven, world-class players—making a move for Ekitike something of a gamble.
Alexander Isak (Newcastle United)
According to Gianluca Di Marzio, Alexander Isak has informed Newcastle United that he is open to a potential move away. However, the club remains unwilling to sanction his departure at this stage.
“Isak would like to leave,” the Italian told Ace Odds. “But Newcastle are not open to that, at the moment.
“So it depends on Newcastle and Isak’s discussion, if the club will be open to having him on the market. Newcastle is a tough club and they want to keep their best players for next season, including Sandro Tonali.
“Isak would like to look at other options because at the end of this season, he had the promise from the club and the coach but Newcastle haven’t acted seriously on that yet.”
Liverpool would probably need to surpass the \$157 million (£116 million) deal it assembled for Florian Wirtz to land Alexander Isak. While costly, such a move could be tempting given the limited number of top-tier strikers currently available — though it would depend entirely on Newcastle having a change of heart, something the club has shown no signs of at this point.
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Isak is considered one of the ideal targets, alongside Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez. If a deal were to materialise, Liverpool would be securing a proven talent. However, Newcastle are unlikely to make any potential move straightforward, despite ongoing speculation.
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