Arsenal’s chances of signing £80m player could massively increase if Liverpool sign Alexander Isak

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Arsenal’s Premier League title rivals Liverpool have approached Newcastle about the potential signing of Alexander Isak.

After winning the English top flight last season, the Merseysiders have shown no signs of resting on their laurels, acquiring the likes of Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez and Florian Wirtz already this summer.

Now, Liverpool have made a move for Isak, who has long been touted as a target for the Gunners.

Deeming the Newcastle striker too expensive, Arsenal are instead set to sign Viktor Gyokeres, adding to their own extensive list of acquisitions this summer, which includes the likes of Noni Madueke and Martin Zubimendi.

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Arsenal are more likely to sign Rodrygo if Liverpool land Alexander Isak

Sealing deals for Gyokeres, Madueke, Zubimendi, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Christian Norgaard and Cristhian Mosquera, Arsenal have all but completed their summer business.

However, one area that Andrea Berta is still keen to address is the left wing, with the Sporting Director eager to find an upgrade on Gabriel Martinelli.

Rodrygo has emerged as one of Arsenal’s priority targets in this department, although the North Londoners are understood to face competition for the Brazilian’s signature.

In recent days, Liverpool have been linked with a move for Rodrygo, with the Reds intent on building on the signing of Wirtz and further strengthening their attack.

However, having already spent close to £200 million this summer, the chances that they look to sign both Isak and Rodrygo are slim and likely financially unviable.

If Liverpool do opt to seriously pursue Isak, this would therefore likely rule them out of the race for the Real Madrid star, who appears to have few other potential suitors across Europe.

This should give Arsenal a free run at Rodrygo, who is also said to be open to leaving the Bernabeu.

Should Arsenal have just moved for Alexander Isak instead of Rodrygo and Viktor Gyokeres?

Rodrygo is understood to be valued at around £80 million by Real Madrid.

Arsenal are set to sign Gyokeres for £63 million, while Isak is reportedly valued at £120 million.

Thus, Isak may ultimately have proven to cost less than the two players combined, and the Gunners arguably should have opted to pursue the Newcastle talisman instead.

While Mikel Arteta’s squad was in dire need of a winger this summer, they have added Madueke to their ranks, so have already bolstered this aspect of their squad.

Isak could then have been the striker signing who can also play off the left, negating the need for Rodrygo.

Given the former Real Sociedad man’s pedigree, and the fact that he’s proven in the Premier League, he could have been a transformational signing for Arsenal in a way that neither Rodrygo nor Gyokeres are likely to be.

That said, Arteta and Berta will argue that they wanted optionality in their squad, and that Isak’s injury issues also have to be factored in when considering the hefty outlay on him.