Liverpool face Isak dilemma ahead of Arsenal visit to Anfield

LIVERPOOL and Arsenal have combined to spend nearly £550 million in a transfer arms race, yet the future of Newcastle forward Alexander Isak still hangs over Sunday's showdown between the Premier League title rivals.

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Defending champions Liverpool are Isak's preferred destination should the Swede manage to engineer an exit from Tyneside before Monday's transfer deadline.

Yet, the early season showings of Arne Slot's men have raised doubts over whether Liverpool should allocate more major funds to retooling their attack or invest in a defence that has proved porous so far this season.

Newcastle are reportedly holding out for £150 million for Isak, who has publicly declared his desire to leave and is yet to feature this season.

The Reds have already committed to a £100 million fee on German midfielder Florian Wirtz, that could rise to a British transfer record £116 million, plus £69 million for French forward Hugo Ekitike.

While Wirtz has so far underwhelmed, Ekitike has three goals in as many games in the Premier League and Community Shield.

Liverpool have needed late drama to win both their opening two Premier League games in wild, high-scoring encounters to beat Bournemouth 4-2 and Newcastle 3-2.