Liverpool’s Darwin Nunez is on the radar of European powerhouses Napoli and Atletico Madrid this summer, as rumors swirl about the Uruguayan’s potential departure from Anfield. Despite contributing to their Premier League title-winning season, Nunez has found it difficult to secure a regular place under Arne Slot.
The 25 year old made his move to the Reds from in 2022 – setting a new club record. Although he’s netted 40 goals in 140 appearances, he hasn’t quite lived up to his substantial price tag.
Under Slot, Nunez has only managed to secure eight starting positions in the league, finding himself playing second fiddle to Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota.
With his future at Liverpool looking increasingly uncertain and rumors of an exit circulating, Italian publication Corriere dello Sport reports that Napoli are considering a bid for the striker.
The report suggests that Napoli’s chief Aurelien De Laurentiis is keen to bring a fresh face to the attacking line-up this summer for manager Antonio Conte, who has his sights set on the Serie A title this season.
Despite having players like Romelu Lukaku at his disposal, Conte sees Nunez as a top choice to bolster Napoli’s attack and build on their successful season. Napoli is also reportedly eyeing Lille’s Jonathan David, FC Porto’s Samuel Omorodion, and PSG’s Lee Kang-In.
(Image: Getty Images)
However, Napoli isn’t the only ones keeping an eye on Nunez this summer. Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid are also reportedly interested in securing his services to bolster their current attacking options of Julian Alvarez, Antoine Griezmann and Alexander Sorloth.
In addition, Goal suggests that Argentinian side River Plate could be a potential landing spot for Nunez, along with a club in the Saudi Pro League.
Should Nunez make the move to Napoli, he might find himself playing alongside Manchester City’s Kevin de Bruyne – a player who has caught the Italian club’s attention.
Learn more
The 33-year-old Belgian’s contract is set to expire at the end of the season after City chose not to extend his deal, and he is likely to be flooded with offers from top-tier clubs.
Sky Sports reports that Napoli’s sporting director Giovanni Manna has recently been in Manchester to hold discussions with De Bruyne and to outline the club’s vision, with the player himself open to the possibility of joining them.
De Bruyne was linked with a shock move to Liverpool when his City contract expires but those reports are believed to be way off the mark. Arne Slot is looking to strengthen his squad but is likely to target younger options who have room for progression, rather than the Belgian in the twilight of his career.
