Alexander Isak: How can Liverpool afford Newcastle striker?

Newcastle have maintained throughout the summer that their top players – and Isak is certainly one of those – are not for sale.

Indeed, like Liverpool, Newcastle – who are owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) – are in a comfortable PSR position.

Isak has three years left on his contract, so the Swede would most likely have to actively push for a move.

Apart from Liverpool, few other clubs in the market for a striker could afford Isak’s reported £130m price tag.

“As the most profitable club in Premier League history, Arsenal could easily spend over £200m in the window and have no PSR concerns,” said Maguire.

Despite Isak having been linked with a move to Arsenal, the Gunners are instead expected to reach a full agreement with Sporting for the 73.5m euros (£63.5m) signing of striker Viktor Gyokeres this summer.

Manchester City are unlikely to be in the market for a striker, with Erling Haaland and Omar Marmoush under lengthy contracts.

It seems doubtful that United would be able to afford Isak’s fee without significant player sales, having missed out on Champions League football next season.

Chelsea have bought strikers Liam Delap and Joao Pedro this window.

“In theory, Tottenham could also afford Isak,” said Maguire. “But whether the player would want to move from a team who finished fifth to one who finished 17th is a whole other story.”