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Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez has his heart set on a move to Napoli this summer, Rousing The Kop understands.
Nunez is likely to leave Liverpool after an underwhelming three-year spell at Anfield, with the Reds actively looking for a replacement.
The Uruguayan was a record signing upon his arrival in 2022, but has failed to live up to the billing, scoring 40 times in 143 appearances.
This has led to an acceptance at Anfield that it is best for all parties if Nunez moves on, and the 26-year-old has been in discussions with Napoli over a transfer to the Serie A champions.
Nunez is understood to have now spoken directly with Napoli manager Antonio Conte, and having been sold on the project put to him by the former Chelsea boss, he has now informed Liverpool of his wish to join the Neapolitans.
Photo by Heuler Andrey/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
Although Nunez has told Liverpool that his preference is to join Napoli, this does not mean a transfer is a foregone conclusion.
There is understood to be doubt internally at Anfield over whether the Scudetto winners can match their asking price for Nunez.
SeasonAppearancesGoalsAssists2022/23421542023/245418132024/254775Darwin Nunez at Liverpool
Liverpool understand they will likely have to take a loss on the Uruguay international, but are unwilling to do business for much less than £60m.
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The Reds are understood to respect Nunez’s wishes and are keen to find an agreement with Napoli, but will explore other options if their valuation is not met.
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A move to Saudi Arabia could be another exit route for Nunez, and sources have told RTK that Liverpool are privately hoping for an approach from the Kingdom.
Nunez is understood to remain open to a venture in the Middle East if an agreement between Liverpool and Napoli cannot be reached.
As things stand, RTK have been informed that a consensus over a fee for Nunez is not close to being reached.
Consequently, it is not expected that Nunez’s exit will be finalised before the start of pre-season.
Nevertheless, Liverpool are understood to be planning ahead on the proviso that their No.
9 will be sold this summer and are calm over the situation.
In the event that no suitable offers arrive for Nunez, however, Liverpool are not completely ruling out that he stays as part of Arne Slot’s squad for next season.
Should that scenario play out, an exit for Diogo Jota would then become far more likely.
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