Forward MUST take pay cut to get ideal transfer

Liverpool are reported to be seeking a new centre-forward in the summer transfer window. There have been extensive links to Hugo Ekitike, Joao Pedro and Alexander Isak for a long time now with Victor Osimhen also coming on the radar in recent weeks.

The Reds are desperate to land a new No9 as Arne Slot tries to find a more consistent option than Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez. Despite winning the Premier League title it was a difficult season for both of Liverpool’s main strikers.

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Jota endured another frustrating season on the injury front while Nunez fell heavily out of favour towards the end of the season. The Uruguayan appears to be the most likely to leave - and there is no shortage of interest in his service.

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Napoli are foremost among his admirers in Serie A. A swap deal involving Osimhen cannot be ruled out at this stage.

Serie A sides fight for Nunez

But now a new report in Caught Offside claims another three clubs in the Italian top flight want Nunez.

“Juventus, Roma, and Inter Milan all keeping tabs on the Liverpool striker this summer,” the report states.

Nunez came close to leaving Liverpool back in January - with two Saudi Pro League sides making attempts to sign him.

The Reds opted against selling Nunez back then as a result of too few replacements being available in the market. But the situation has changed slightly. Nunez would command an incredible salary in Asia but right now it’s not a move he appears willing to make.

Darwin must take pay cut

Instead, he would be choosing to remain in Europe for football reasons. That’s because no Serie A side currently interested would be able to offer him a salary comparable to what he’s on at Liverpool.

“Any move for Nunez would require him to agree to a significant wage reduction to make the switch to Serie A,” the report states.

Nunez out, Osimhen in?

Nunez makes around £140k per week on a contract which sees him tied to Anfield until 2028.

He was Liverpool’s record signing - costing up to £85m - until the Reds topped that sum in the Florian Wirtz deal last week. It’s not worked our for Nunez at Anfield - despite his status as a Premier League champion.

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If one of his many suitors in Italy can come forward with an appropriate bid then expect him to move this summer. Then we could see operation Osimhen activated once again.