If Liverpool had signed Alexander Isak, it would have stirred worry, frustration and disappointment among Gunners fans.
Not only is Isak Arsenal’s dream target, he’s also one of the Premier League’s most lethal goal scorers. His 23 league goals last season were bettered only by Mohamed Salah (29), who played four more matches.
While the Reds pressed Newcastle with a £120 million bid for Isak and seemingly allowed themselves a free run at Hugo Ekitike, the Magpies have stood firm: Isak is not for sale.
Liverpool, the reigning Premier League champions, have spent heavily this summer in an effort to defend their crown. But had they landed Isak, it may well have felt like game over for the chasing pack.
Reds turn to Ekitike after failed Isak bid
With Newcastle rejecting their advances, Liverpool has pivoted to Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike. The French forward is open to a move, and discussions between the clubs are now underway.
Among Reds fans, there’s growing optimism. Ekitike recorded 22 goals and 12 assists last season, suggesting they may be adding another top-tier attacker to their ranks.
But is he really a top-tier striker yet?
Arsenal icon Thierry Henry isn’t convinced. He’s not alone in his assessment either. Speaking on CBS, pundit Micah Richards explained Henry’s scepticism as quoted by Mirror Sport.
A talent with potential, but not the finished article
“In terms of Ekitike, I’ve spoken to Thierry about him a lot,” Richards said. “He says he’s not necessarily a frustrating player, but one minute he looks amazing and the next minute he doesn’t do the basics very well. He said if he gets it right and improves, then his ceiling could be very, very high.”
That inconsistency is a concern. Without a reliable level of performance, the Premier League can be an unforgiving place.
While Arsenal focus on strengthening their own squad, they’ll be quietly aware of what’s unfolding elsewhere. The potential flop of a rival’s marquee forward is a subplot Gooners won’t ignore.
Naturally, Arsenal fans would love to beat Liverpool at their best — but if a high-profile gamble backfires at Anfield, they’ll happily take the advantage.
Because in the end, a win is a win… isn’t it?
Would you have feared Isak in red? And are you worried at all about Ekitike, Gooners?
Daniel O
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No Isak for Newcastle against Celtic today, the plot thickens
Liverpool are doing real business,exciting players ,Hugo is talked about in the same vein as Henry (yet to been seen ).
Not one of our signings as of yet as got me excited.
Difference between us and them is that they sell decent ,will be interesting this season as slot who bought no one last season and still breezed the league in his first season as now upgraded that squad .
If we can eventually get our striker in then maybe we have a chance ,after 6 years and a billion spent surely this manager should be bringing in trophies now .
Gone are the days of that silly process ,phases talk now the real questions should be asked if we come away once again empty handed .
Surely though, it’s how the Arsenal signings play when they’re integrated into the squad/team that counts, not how “exciting” they may, or may not, look now. Personally, I’ll take effective over exciting.
That said, I do think that after this length of time and the money spent (with very possibly more to be spent) that the 2025-26 season is pretty obviously make or break for Arteta. Let’s see what happens though. We may be pleasantly surprised come next May.
I would take exciting over safe .
Re the title, none of this should “keep us up at night” it’s just football LOL. Anyhow, we’ve made some really solid acquisitions but Liverpool’s window so far strikes me as very impressive. Watched a lot of Bundesliga last season and Wirtz is very talented and creates a lot of chances and is always an improvisational scoring threat. Ekitike also seems quite good but is also a little streaky and unpolished. It should definitely be an interesting title race!