Serie A heavyweights Napoli have reportedly set a decisive deadline as they weigh up a potential move for Liverpool’s enigmatic forward, Darwin Núñez. The Uruguayan striker appears to be nearing the Anfield exit door after falling out of favor during Arne Slot’s debut season at the helm of the Reds.
Núñez, whose raw talent has often been accompanied by inconsistency, found himself on the fringes of Liverpool’s first team in the 2024/25 campaign, making just eight Premier League starts. Despite his flashes of brilliance, the 24-year-old failed to cement his place in Slot’s plans, leading to speculation about his future.
Interest from Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr emerged in January, but Liverpool’s refusal to part ways with key players during a title chase scuppered the move. With the season now concluded and Liverpool’s 20th Premier League title secured, the Merseyside club is reportedly ready to let Núñez seek greener pastures, with a move to another European giant looking increasingly likely.
While Atletico Madrid has been linked with the striker, Napoli has emerged as the frontrunner in recent weeks. Reports suggest Núñez is keen on a switch to the Italian club, but negotiations have hit a snag over Liverpool’s valuation of the player.
Transfer insider Fabrizio Romano has shed light on the situation, revealing that Napoli views Liverpool’s asking price as excessive. “Napoli’s interest in Darwin Núñez remains, but they’re also advancing on a deal for Italian striker Lorenzo Lucca from Udinese,” Romano stated. “Liverpool wants more than €65 million, likely exceeding €70 million, which Napoli deems too high. They’re still working on the deal but have alternative options.”
Lucca, valued at £25 million by Udinese, has emerged as a more attainable target for Napoli, though they face competition from Inter Milan for the towering forward. Meanwhile, Napoli has reportedly set a 48-hour deadline to decide whether to continue their pursuit of Núñez.
In other Liverpool transfer news, defender Jarrel Quansah is on the verge of completing a move to Bayer Leverkusen. Romano confirmed that the young center-back underwent a medical today, with the deal set to fetch Liverpool an initial £30 million, plus £5 million in add-ons. The Reds have also secured a buy-back clause starting from 2027, with a fee beginning at €60 million plus add-ons.
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