Alexander Isak's Liverpool dream could be on as £46m deal agreed and private chat revealed

The potential exits of Darwin Nunez and Federico Chiesa could pave the way for Liverpool to offer Alexander Isak his favourite shirt numbers. Nunez, 26, is on the brink of leaving Anfield as Al-Hilal are reportedly close to signing him for around £46million plus add-ons.

The Uruguayan was given the No. 9 shirt in the summer of 2023, a year after his £64.1m move from Benfica, which also included up to £21.3m in add-ons. It's unclear whether Nunez will feature in Liverpool's Community Shield match against Crystal Palace on Sunday, but it seems increasingly doubtful.

If Isak is signed this month, the Swedish striker would likely jump at the chance to wear the number previously sported by Liverpool legends like Ian Rush, Fernando Torres and Roberto Firmino.

READ MORE: Eddie Howe statement on Alexander Isak as decision made on Liverpool transfer target

READ MORE: Alexander Isak BANISHED by Newcastle and not allowed around team-mates and families

Chiesa's future at Liverpool is also uncertain following a debut season largely spent warming the bench. Despite previously vowing to fight for his place at Anfield, the Italian's perspective may have shifted after Italy manager Gennaro Gattuso allegedly told him in a private chat that he needs regular game time to be considered for the national team, as per Calciomercato.

With the World Cup happening next summer, Arne Slot's first signing might contemplate a change of scenery and has plenty of interest in Italy. Chiesa, who netted Liverpool's only goal in their League Cup final loss to Newcastle United, currently wears the No. 14 shirt.

If Isak were to transfer from St. James' Park to Anfield, he might fancy another desirable shirt number. Currently, the forward sports the No. 14 jersey at Newcastle – a number he also donned during his stint at Borussia Dortmund - and told Alan Shearer earlier this year that he views it as an 'iconic' shirt.

Liverpool legends Xabi Alonso and former captain Jordan Henderson have previously worn the No. 14 shirt at the club. Isak's future remains unclear, but the situation is escalating after he wasbanished from training with his teammates on Wednesday as he continues to angle for a transfer away.

Liverpool are currently adopting a wait-and-see approach regarding the situation between Isak and his club, after Newcastle swiftly turned down a recent £110m offer for the former Real Sociedad star. Newcastle also appear set to lose out on Benjamin Sesko– seen as a potential replacement for Isak – to Manchester United, which won't make a deal for Isak any easier.

The unsettled Swedish striker was also barred from attending a bonding session at the club's training ground on Wednesday, although players' families were invited.

Given how quickly their initial bid for Isak was rejected, Liverpool are weighing up whether or not to make a second offer for the 25-year-old.

However, their budget is expected to increase soon with the impending sale of Nunez. While Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez have joined this summer for a combined total of around £250m, Liverpool have also parted ways with Luis Diaz, Jarell Quansah, Caoimhin Kelleher, Tyler Morton and Trent Alexander-Arnold.

In the meantime, RB Leipzig are in negotiations for Harvey Elliott. It's believed they see the 22-year-old as the perfect replacement for Xavi Simons, who appears to be on his way to Chelsea in a £60m deal.

Join our new WhatsApp communityand receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.