Reds' Dilemma: Spend on Isak or Defence

Liverpool must decide as transfer-deadline eve clash with rivals Arsenal approaches

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LONDON - Liverpool and Arsenal have combined to spend around £550 million (S$952.6 million) in a transfer arms race, yet the future of Newcastle United forward Alexander Isak still hangs over the Aug 31 showdown between the English Premier League title rivals.

Defending champions Liverpool are Isak's preferred destination, should the Swede manage to engineer an exit from Tyneside before the Sept 1 transfer deadline.

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

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 splurged £100 million on German midfielder Florian Wirtz - that fee 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 two Premier League games and the Community Shield outing.

Liverpool have needed late drama to win both their league matches in wild, high-scoring encounters which saw them beat Bournemouth 4-2 and Newcastle 3-2.