Arne slot refuses to rule out new Isak bid as Nunez departs for Saudi Arabia

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has refused to rule out an improved bid for Newcastle striker Alexander Isak, even as the Premier League champions prepare for the departure of forward Darwin Nunez.

The comments come after a busy transfer window that has seen the Reds spend almost £300 million on new players.

Liverpool has reportedly had a £110 million bid for Isak turned down by Newcastle, who are seeking a new British transfer record fee.

When asked about the Swedish striker at his pre-match press conference for the Community Shield, Slot said, “You never talk about players that are not yours”.

He went on to list the attacking talent already at his disposal, saying, “I think we have a lot of attacking power in our team. When I think about Cody Gakpo, Federico Chiesa, Hugo Ekitike, Mo Salah, Jeremie Frimpong, who can play as a right-winger, Florian Wirtz, who can play as a left-winger,  I already feel I have a lot of attacking options in my current squad”.

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However, he added the caveat, “But, as always as a club, we are always looking at the chances in the market”.

The potential improved bid comes as Liverpool is set to recoup a significant portion of its recent spending, with Darwin Nunez   closing in on a £46 million move to Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia.

The press conference also touched on the tragic death of forward Diogo Jota, who was killed in a car accident last month.

Slot spoke about the lasting impact of the tragedy.

“First of all, tragedy impacted us but it impacted far more his wife, children and parents,” he said.

The club has paid a series of tributes, including a “Forever 20” emblem on this season’s shirts and a planned permanent memorial at Anfield. Slot described the tributes as “emotional and impressive”.