The Reds are eyeing a bold swoop for the Swedish forward, who has been lighting up the Premier League this season.

Under Arne Slot's guidance, Liverpool have stormed to the top of the Premier League table with just nine games remaining. They hold a commanding 12-point lead over Arsenal, making them overwhelming favourites to lift the title.

Mohamed Salah has been in scintillating form, driving their attack with flair and precision. However, other forwards have struggled to match his output, with recent defeats to Paris Saint-Germain over two legs in the Champions League and a 2-1 loss to Newcastle in the Carabao Cup final exposing some frailties up top.

Isak, who rifled home Newcastle's second goal in that Wembley triumph on Sunday, has caught Liverpool's eye as they look to bolster their frontline.

Romano revealed that the Reds have already taken steps to make their interest concrete. "Liverpool are there for Alexander Isak," he said on his YouTube channel. "They've made some contacts with people close to the player, so both clubs are interested."

Arsenal, meanwhile, have made no secret of their admiration for the 25-year-old. Romano added, "For Arsenal, he's the absolute top target. Big, massive proposals will come for Isak because Arsenal want him."

The Gunners have also been linked with RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko, but Isak remains their priority. Reports from Spain even suggested Arsenal tabled a final offer worth around 120 million euros (101 million pounds), though no deal has materialised.

Newcastle, however, are digging in their heels. Fresh off their first domestic trophy in 70 years, the Magpies are adamant about keeping their talisman. Romano noted, "Newcastle keep insisting in private and in public that they want to keep Alexander Isak. They hope to be in the Champions League next season, but in any case, they want him at the club."

The Daily Mail echoed this stance, reporting that chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan, who celebrated Sunday's victory from Wembley's Royal Box, has told the club's hierarchy to fend off all offers. "He's sweeter on the Swedish striker than any other player," a source told the outlet.

The latest updates from Newcastle's official X account reinforce their resolve, with a post on March 17, hailing Isak's "world-class finish" in the final and calling him "a Magpie through and through." Manager Eddie Howe has also weighed in recently, saying after the match, "Alex is vital to us. His goals, his work rate, he's everything we want in a striker."

For Liverpool, landing Isak would signal their intent to dominate both domestically and in Europe. For Arsenal, losing out could dent their ambitions of closing the gap at the top. As the summer approaches, this transfer tug-of-war promises to be one of the saga's defining battles.

Report: Alexander Isak transfer battle heats up as Liverpool strike first