The ongoing discussions surrounding Darwin Nunez’s future are said to have major implications for Napoli’s transfer strategy this summer.
As talks between Liverpool and Napoli are set to intensify over the striker’s potential move, reports claim that Nunez is a "priority" in the Serie A champions’ recruitment plans.
Nunez, who joined Liverpool in 2022 for a significant fee, has been linked with a move away from Merseyside this summer after struggling to make an impact in Red. Antonio Conte's side is believed to be the frontrunners in the race for the Uruguayan's signature.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Napoli are unlikely to pursue other striker targets until they have clarity on whether a summer move to the Stadio Maradona is realistic.
In a post on X, he said: "Darwin Nunez remains Napoli’s priority and dream target as centre striker. The club won’t advance/close on different options until they’ve a chance to get Nunez. Talks will continue next week in order to understand how/if transfer fee and salary can be feasible."
Liverpool reportedly turned down offers for Nunez from Saudi clubs during the January transfer window, but interest in the striker remains strong this summer. The Reds’ No. 9 is now attracting attention from several top European clubs, including Atletico Madrid and AC Milan.
According to reports, Napoli has stepped up its pursuit of the 25-year-old with a verbal proposal in the region of €43 million ($50 million). The Serie A side is said to view Nunez as a key addition to bolster their attack — particularly with the aim of partnering him alongside Romelu Lukaku.
Darwin Nunez holding the Premier League trophy
Napoli is reportedly not showing its interest in another striker until it has a chance to get Nunez (Image: 2025 Getty Images)
While Saudi interest persists, Foot Italia claims Nunez has no desire to move to the Middle East and is determined to continue competing at a high level in Europe. The Uruguayan forward believes he still has more to prove after a mixed spell in the Premier League, and Conte is understood to be convinced that Nunez would thrive in Serie A, away from the intense spotlight of English football.
Meanwhile, former Liverpool midfielder Dietmar Hamann has weighed in on the transfer speculation, urging the Reds to consider a bold swap move involving Nunez and Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez.
"I’d love to see Julian Alvarez at Liverpool and I think Darwin Nunez being part of the deal would make a lot of sense," Hamann told wette.de.
"I think Nunez is tailor-made for Atletico Madrid as a physical centre forward, someone who will work so hard, which is what Diego Simeone wants. Alvarez would also be a fantastic addition at Liverpool.
"He played in the shadow of Erling Haaland at Manchester City, but really added to his reputation in Madrid. He led the line, scored goals, and made life a nuisance for the back lines he played against.
"I think he would be a brilliant signing. There are rumors about other forwards, but Alvarez would be a great addition to Liverpool, and Nunez might just be an even better signing for Atletico."