Liverpool CLOSER to Darwin Nunez decision after latest Napoli striker bid

Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez has been at the centre of several transfer rumours during the off-season. The 26-year-old fell out of the reckoning under Arne Slot during the second half of the Premier League title-winning campaign.

His lack of starts - and relative lack of goals - meant that speculation was high that the Uruguayan would be sold in summer.

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Under contract until 2028, Liverpool paid a record sum that could reach £85m for Nunez back in 2022. It’s not worked out for the No9 however since his switch from Benfica and suitors have been lining up to take him off Liverpool’s hands.

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Back in January it was reported that Nunez could be on his way to Saudi Arabia - with both Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr showing strong interest.

Napoli unwilling to meet Nunez asking price

Owing to a lack of options in the market, the Reds declined to let Nunez go. Summer began with Atletico Madrid, Napoli and others in the race to sign Nunez and over time it became clear that Serie A champions Napoli were the overwhelming favourites.

But with sporting director Richard Hughes determined to recoup as much of that potential £85m as possible - while also factoring in Nunez’s salary costs - it appears the deal has grown too rich for Napoli president Aurelio Di Laurentiis.

Napoli have set their limits for a new striker arrival and are now expected to pursue a deal for Udinese hotshot Lorenzo Lucca instead.

Napoli decide on Lorenzo Lucca

That’s according to a report on Sky Sport Italia - which claims Napoli will finalise an initial €34m deal for the 24-year-old Italy international in the coming days.

“Napoli's goal is to complete Lorenzo Lucca's move to the Azzurri by the beginning of next week, with the necessary medicals and a signed contract, so as to hand over their new striker to Antonio Conte in time for the start of the pre-season,” a report reads.

“The deal will be worth around €34 million, with Napoli having now reduced their contact with Liverpool over Nunez.”

Liverpool's other striker targets

This development plunges Nunez’s Liverpool future into greater doubt. The Reds will have been hoping to exchange him for a top fee in order to move on with other targets.

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Hugo Ekitike, Alexander Isak and Victor Osimhen have been mentioned as potential targets of late but it will be very difficult to finance a deal unless Nunez is shipped out.

We are edging towards a situation where Liverpool could make a decision to keep Darwin Nunez - at least for one more season.