Liverpool's nightmare summer - Arsenal hijack Isak transfer as £35m deal collapses

Liverpool's summer business has so far gone swimmingly. Jeremie Frimpong was quick through the Anfield door as an ideal replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold and he has been followed by Florian Wirtz and Milos Kerkez.

The Reds, under Fenway Sports Group, have rarely splashed the cash in such a manner, particularly so early in the window. But the transfer market is a cruel mistress, and many will be aware that happy smiles can turn to doom and gloom in little time.

Here, Express Sport has taken a hypothetical look at what a nightmare end to the window would be...

Arsenal hijack Alexander Isak deal

Newcastle striker Alexander Isak has been branded a 'dream' signing for Liverpool, with the Reds reportedly ready to break their club record once again for the Sweden international.

However, Newcastle would be negotiating from a position of strength with several years left on Isak's contract and the allure of Champions League football. They have previously demanded figures in the £150m range.

If Isak were to leave, he would not be short of suitors. Arsenal particularly have a vested interest, and should the 25-year-old be available, the Gunners would be ready to pounce. Hijacking any Liverpool deal would move them closer to the title and hand their rivals a hammer blow.

£35million transfer collapses

Liverpool and Bayer Leverkusen remain in transfer talks after concluding a deal for Wirtz, with Jarrell Quansah on the verge of heading in the opposite direction.

He is tipped to leave Anfield for £35m and all parties are thought to have agreed on terms. But late U-turns can take place and until the dotted line is signed, a deal has the potential to collapse.

If Quansah were to return to Liverpool, it would significantly hamper their chances of signing Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace.

The England international could become a bargain, with one year left on his contract, and a potential Virgil van Dijk successor in the long term. But he is unlikely to join if Quansah does not leave.

Ibrahima Konate rejects contract

Further chaos could take place in the heart of Arne Slot's defence if Ibrahima Konate decides to stop negotiations over a new contract.

The Frenchman, who has formed a strong partnership with Van Dijk, has just a year left on his current deal on Merseyside.

He could leave Liverpool on a free transfer next summer and is free to talk with foreign clubs regarding a pre-contract in January.

After the sagas of Alexander-Arnold, Van Dijk and Mohamed Salah, Liverpool will not want another similar situation on their hand. If Konate pulls out of talks now then they could be forced to part ways sooner than expected.