Liverpool are making concrete moves to sign both Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike this summer, in a double blow that would significantly disrupt Newcastle United's transfer strategy. The Reds have identified the two strikers as primary targets as they look to strengthen their attack ahead of the new season.
Manager Arne Slot is keen to upgrade on Darwin Nunez, who managed just five goals in 30 Premier League appearances last season despite Liverpool cruising to the title. The club are open to offers for the Uruguayan and also expect to lose Luis Diaz after he submitted a formal transfer request.
The Merseyside club have held a long-standing admiration for Newcastle's Alexander Isak, who scored 23 league goals last season. Despite the Magpies insisting the Sweden international is not for sale, Liverpool are reportedly prepared to offer £120million. That fee would mark a second British record signing of the window, following the £116m spent on Florian Wirtz.
According to The Athletic, Liverpool also enquired about Eintracht Frankfurt's Hugo Ekitike on Wednesday. The French forward recorded 23 goal involvements in 33 Bundesliga appearances last season and is believed to be available for around £65m. Ekitike is also a long-standing target for Newcastle, who have failed in attempts to sign him in January and 2022, and saw a £70m bid rejected earlier this summer.
Newcastle are expected to lodge an improved offer for Ekitike, but may miss out if Liverpool turn to him should a move for Isak prove unsuccessful. The situation leaves the Magpies facing the prospect of losing either their star player or their top transfer target. Chelsea and Manchester United were also linked with Ekitike earlier in the window but opted against submitting a bid.
Napoli's Victor Osimhen was also on Liverpool's shortlist, according to reports, but the Nigerian is expected to join either Galatasaray or Al Hilal.
