£550m+ spent, but big questions remain
Liverpool and Arsenal have dropped over £550 million combined in this summer’s transfer window, but one name still hangs in the air ahead of their Premier League clash on Sunday: Alexander Isak.
The Newcastle striker reportedly wants out, with Liverpool as his preferred destination. But with a £150 million price tag and just days until the transfer window closes, it’s a race against time.
Liverpool’s attack vs. defence dilemma
Liverpool have already splashed £100 million (potentially rising to £116m) on German midfielder Florian Wirtz and another £69 million on French forward Hugo Ekitike. But while Ekitike is firing—three goals in three games—Wirtz has yet to find his form.
What’s more worrying for Reds fans? Liverpool’s leaky defence. They’ve had to edge chaotic wins over Bournemouth (4–2) and Newcastle (3–2), relying on late drama and rising stars like 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha to get over the line.
Slot satisfied—sort of
Manager Arne Slot says he’s “happy with the squad” even after selling Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez, and following the tragic loss of Diogo Jota in a car accident last month. But he also hinted there’s room for the right player—if the price and timing align.
“I don’t think it will be a busy end to the window,” Slot added. But some disagree.
Defensive issues could cost Liverpool
Injuries and uncertainty have forced makeshift changes—like midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai filling in at right-back. Centre-back Ibrahima Konate hasn’t convinced either. Jamie Carragher didn’t hold back: “I absolutely shudder to think where Liverpool would be without Virgil van Dijk.”
New full-backs Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong, along with 18-year-old centre-back Giovanni Leoni, have added depth—but not enough for a title run, some say. Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi is on the radar to help shore things up.
Arsenal go for balance, not fireworks
Arsenal, who’ve also spent big, opted for depth over one marquee striker. Instead of pushing for Isak, they brought in seven players, including Viktor Gyokeres—who bagged two goals in a 5–0 rout of Leeds.
With Martin Zubimendi reinforcing midfield, and Eberechi Eze choosing Arsenal over Spurs to fanfare, Mikel Arteta believes they’ve built the squad needed to go the distance this time.
Defensive strength is Arsenal’s edge
While Liverpool have been wild but vulnerable, Arsenal have started the season with two wins and two clean sheets. Their defence has been the best in the league over the past two seasons, and it shows.
Arteta summed it up: “You have so many games, anything can happen. That’s why we acted the way we did in the market.”
Title race already heating up
With Liverpool leaning into firepower and Arsenal doubling down on structure, Sunday’s clash won’t just be a battle of squads—it’ll be a preview of who’s really ready to take the crown.
