Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez has given the "green light" to Serie A side Napoli amid transfer interest in the Uruguayan forward this summer, according to reports.
Nunez, who became Liverpool's record signing when he arrived from Benfica in 2022, has scored 40 goals in 143 appearances for the Anfield side. Under Arne Slot last season, though, he fell down the pecking order and only netted four times in the Premier League, with two of those goals coming in one game against Brentford.
Luis Diaz was deployed down the center for large parts of last season and Diogo Jota started the campaign as first choice. And with Liverpool having signed Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen, the competition for attacking places is only going to further increase.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Nunez is open to leaving Liverpool to join Napoli. However, the Italian club would have to put together a package large enough for the Reds to accept.
Having committed an initial $86 million (£64 million) when Nunez signed for Liverpool three years ago, the Reds are not going to let the South American leave on the cheap. But it would be the best decision for both parties to part ways.
Nunez also has interest from the Saudi Pro League, though there are some doubts over how appealing a move there would be. In contrast, Napoli won Serie A last season under Antonio Conte and will be playing in the Champions League.
LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 27: Darwin Nunez of Liverpool is embraced by Arne Slot, Manager of Liverpool, after the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Liverpool FC at Emirates Stadium on October 27, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
(Image: Getty Images)
The Naples outfit has already signed Kevin De Bruyne this summer and Scott McTominay has excelled since leaving Manchester United to move to Italy. Nunez could become the latest Premier League star to make the switch.
While Napoli already has Romelu Lukaku on its books, it is looking for more attacking depth. It is also expected to sell Victor Osimhen, who could generate funds and free up space on the roster and the wage bill.
Elsewhere, Federico Chiesa is thought to have interest in Italy too. Napoli is one of the teams that has been linked with a move for the forward, who only moved to England from Juventus last summer.
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Chiesa hardly featured for Liverpool last season and has spoken openly about wanting to carefully think about his future this summer, with more chances under Arne Slot next year far from guaranteed.
"The year is over, but it's an experience I would do again," Chiesa told Corriere dello Sport last month. "Soon, I will sit down at the table with the club, [agent] Fali [Ramadani] and my family to find the best solution. I wouldn't mind staying in Liverpool at all."
Liverpool.com says: Nunez and Chiesa should both be looking to move on this summer. Letting them leave would free up wage space for the Reds, without making much difference in terms of the number of options available.
Nunez has been at Anfield for three full seasons and that is enough time to work out whether or not he is going to be a success. At this point, a departure just feels like the right thing.