Liverpool don't need Alexander Isak and Arsenal may prove it

It's a potential transfer that Alexander Isak desperately wants and needs, yet time is running out for the Swedish striker. We are now just six days away from the summer transfer window expiring, with Liverpool and Newcastle seemingly no closer to agreeing on the £150million deal the Tyneside club are demanding.

The saga undoubtedly ramped up the hostility on Monday night when the Reds secured that dramatic 3-2 win at St James' Park. Watching from afar, Isak might have been salivating at Arne Slot's side scoring seven times in their opening two matches, creating chances even when under the cosh. However, the problem for the 25-year-old is that Liverpool are currently underlining the argument that they don't actually need him.

With or without Isak, Slot's side will score goals. Tactically, they were largely outplayed by both Bournemouth and Newcastle, and yet, they simply outscored the opposition.

This Sunday could potentially prove the death knell for the exiled forward's transfer ambitions. Liverpool hosts Arsenal in a clash already deemed pivotal in shaping this season's title race, and they will face the league's most rock-solid defensive unit.

Another hatful of goals from Hugo Ekitike and co will prove indefinitely that Slot does not need attacking reinforcements. Instead, while Ibrahima Konate plays with the air of a man whose head is already in Madrid, focusing on snaring Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace would be far more beneficial.

Of course, the elephant in the room is Mohamed Salah's inconvenient AFCON trip in January. If the Dutch manager was wondering how he could adequately replace his marquee striker, then Rio Ngumoha handed him the perfect solution on Monday night.

Isak's best bet right now would be to swallow his pride and make amends with Eddie Howe and his Newcastle teammates. Fans who have angrily argued he should never again wear the famous black and white will soon forgive if he returns and starts scoring goals. Ask Luis Suarez, Carlos Tevez, or Wayne Rooney.

If he produces what he's capable of, then the big clubs will come in again next summer. Maybe even January. But right now, trying to force a move to Anfield appears futile, with Slot and FSG surely realising it's not an avenue they need to break the bank to go down.

Sunday's huge clash with Mikel Arteta's men might just prove that once and for all.