Liverpool clarify transfer position as Darwin Nunez addresses Napoli’s interest

Liverpool’s forward reshuffle may be about to take a new turn, with Darwin Nunez getting serious interest from Italy, as David Ornstein and Fabrizio Romano provide fresh information.

The 25-year-old has yet to truly impress since joining from Benfica in a big-money move two years ago. While Liverpool went on to win the Premier League last season, Nunez was frequently a supporting character.

Despite being offered opportunities by both Jurgen Klopp and new head coach Arne Slot, the Uruguayan concluded the recent season with only seven goals and seven assists in all competitions. With Liverpool’s front line growing overcrowded, a summer departure appears increasingly likely.

Interest from Saudi Arabia came and went in January, with Al Nassr’s €70 million bid knocked down. Liverpool’s attitude hasn’t changed much since, but the player’s desire to leave and the club’s need to raise finances could pave the way.

A transfer to AC Milan has been discussed in previous weeks but never materialised. Massimiliano Allegri was apparently interested, despite Milan’s already strong forward line consisting of Santiago Gimenez, Luka Jovic, Tammy Abraham, and Rafael Leao. The discussions failed to progress.

Ornstein wrote in The Athletic’s Transfer DealSheet on Tuesday:

Another subject to keep an eye on is Liverpool attacker Darwin Nunez. The Premier League winners are looking to sell, and the Uruguayan is eager to transfer.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Napoli is draughting an offer for Nunez, who is thought to be receptive to the move. The Serie A winners are set to test Liverpool’s determination with a bid of around €45 million, though they want to negotiate the sum down.

Understand Darwin. Nunez has given Napoli the go light after being presented with Conte’s concept.

The deal now rests on financial viability, since Liverpool wants a large transfer fee, and pay will also be a crucial consideration.

Napoli are looking for a central striker and have Champions League football to offer. While they remain wary about overpaying, Nunez has emerged as a legitimate target.

Liverpool are not in a haste to sell, but any ambitions to bring in another striker this summer may be contingent on completing a deal. Florian Wirtz has already come from Bayer Leverkusen, and while not a classic striker, his arrival will further limit Nunez’s prospects of playing regularly.

The Italian winger has struggled to make an impact since moving to Merseyside. Napoli is said to be one of the clubs watching his situation, with other Serie A clubs also eager to bring him back to Italy. Meanwhile, Liverpool has identified a successor.

Barcelona has expressed interest in Luis Diaz, although the club’s public stance is that he is not available for sale. The Colombian has been one of Liverpool’s most consistent players and is regarded as an important player, but Barcelona’s appreciation has not gone ignored.