Liverpool and Arsenal have combined to spend nearly £550 million ($742 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.

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 mill

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