Liverpool's IDEAL Darwin Nunez upgrade is hiding in plain sight

Liverpool are reported to be chasing a new No9. With the 2024/25 season done and dusted, plans are being made for upgrades.

One of the most remarkable aspects of Arne Slot’s first campaign in charge is that the title win was achieved without the presence of a consistent centre-forward.

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Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez only started 23 games between them - scoring a combined 11 times. It was often left to Luis Diaz to fill in on a stopgap basis and the Colombian acquitted himself very well.

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But it’s not a long-term solution. Liverpool need improvement up top. The leading contenders have been reported as Alexander Isak, Hugo Ekitike and Joao Pedro.

But the ideal option might well be lurking elsewhere.

Liverpool admire Mateo Retegui

Mateo Retegui, 26, has just been crowned Serie A’s top goalscorer for the season - with his 25 goals helping Atalanta back into the Champions League places.

The Argentine-born hitman finished the season six goals clear at the top of the Capocannoniere charts. Remarkably, the sharpshooter’s 25 goals came from only 38 shots on target.

But Retegui, whose contract expires in 2028, is not only a poacher. His off-the-ball statistics hold up - ranking highly for recoveries and possessions won in the final third on FOTMOB.

Retegui's revelation season

This kind of season was entirely unexpected when Retegui pitched up at Atalanta following an injury to first-choice centre-forward Gianluca Scamacca.

But the Italy international has grabbed the chance with both hands, earning the plaudits as Serie A’s striker of the season.

Links to bigger clubs are inevitable - with Juventus reckoned to be leading the chase among Italian clubs. But don’t discount Premier League interest.

Arsenal were among the first English sides to be linked and Anfieldwatch has previously revealed Liverpool’s admiration.

The latest reports from Italy suggest Retegui would be available for around €40 million to €50m - a snip for such an accomplished striker.

Atalanta’s clever recruitment saw them acquire Retegui for a bargain €28m (inclusive of add ons) last summer and if he is available again in 2025 Liverpool should be right at the table.

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He will cost far less than the likes of Isak and Ekitike - with Richard Hughes having an opportunity to strike another “opportunistic” deal.