The Athletic’s David Ornstein has provided a fresh transfer update on Liverpool’s striker situation, amid speculation surrounding the futures of Darwin Nunez and other forwards at Anfield.

Napoli continue to be linked with a move for Nunez, who scored for the Reds in their 3-1 win over Preston North End on Sunday.

The 26-year-old has struggled since moving to Anfield from Benfica in the summer of 2022.

Al-Hilal coach Simon Inzaghi has reportedly recommended Nunez, who has scored 25 goals and recorded 16 assists in 95 Premier League appearances, for a summer transfer.

Liverpool monitoring Chelsea forward’s situation	Chelsea forward’s situation being monitored by Liverpool	Liverpool striker could have new exit opportunity as clubs battle for transfer

The Saudi Pro League giants are prepared to shift attention towards the Uruguay international if their move to land Victor Osimhen fails this summer.

Liverpool have been linked with several potential replacements for Nunez.

Hugo Ekitike, Alexander Isak, and Benjamin Sesko have all attracted interest from the Reds this summer.

The latest player to be linked with a move to Anfield is Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta.

It is believed that the Premier League champions are keen on Mateta after meeting his agent.

His current deal runs out in 2027 after the Eagles triggered a 12-month extension on his contract.

The France international scored 14 goals for the Eagles last season as the club clinched the FA Cup.

Luis Diaz and Federico Chiesa have also been linked with an Anfield exit this summer.

Writing in the Transfer Dealsheet, Ornstein reported: “The Premier League champions have prioritised an elite front three in recent seasons, with two strong options in each position.

“While on the left (Luiz Diaz and Cody Gakpo) and right (Mohamed Salah and Jeremie Frimpong) they have that available to them, they currently do not have an established first choice in the middle.

“Federico Chiesa is considered an option there, but Napoli and Al Hilal have been keeping tabs on Darwin Nunez.

Sporting director Richard Hughes is prioritising that at present.

“Earlier in the window, targets to improve a team at Liverpool’s level will have included the likes of Alexander Isak, Hugo Ekitike, Viktor Gyokeres, Victor Osimhen and Joao Pedro, while Nicolas Jackson is also a player Hughes liked when he was with Bournemouth.

“If the Senegal international was not a Chelsea player he might be a more realistic candidate, given the Club World Cup winners have signed Joao Pedro and Liam Delap to operate up front.

Isak and Ekitike remain prominent in their thinking but various factors would need to align for such interest to develop.”

Read more: 5 reasons to keep Federico Chiesa this season

Darwin Nunez wanted by Saudi giants after manager’s recommendation

The Times confirm Liverpool target subject to bid

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