Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez's preference this summer would reportedly be to join Napoli. The Uruguayan striker is set to leave Liverpool, three years on from his high-profile transfer from Benfica.
Nunez tallied just seven goals this season having lined up just once in the Premier League in 2025, and Arne Slot is clearly keen on a different kind of striker to lead the line for his team. Liverpool knocked back approaches for Nunez from clubs in Saudi Arabia during the January transfer window, but there remains a strong market for the Reds' No. 9 during the ongoing summer window.
The interest from Saudi Arabia remains, while Atletico Madrid, Napoli and AC Milan are also being linked with the 25-year-old; Football Italia reports that Nunez has made it clear that he would favor a move to Napoli over any of the other options on the table.
It's claimed that Napoli has made a verbal offer of around €43 million ($50 million) for Nunez, with Napoli said to be keen to provide support to Romelu Lukaku in its front line.
That reported bid is not far away from Liverpool's reported €50 million ($58 million) asking price for the player.
Foot Italia reported last week that Nunez has no intention of moving to Saudi Arabia, as he wants to remain playing at a high level in Europe.
Napoli boss Antonio Conte is said to be a fan of Nunez and believes he has a higher chance of realizing his potential away from the Premier League.
Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano provided an update on Nunez's future over the weekend, confirming that the striker is open to joining Napoli.
Nunez favors a move to Napoli
Nunez favors a move to Napoli (Image: Getty Images)
"We know that there are many clubs after Darwin," Romano said on his YouTube channel.
"We know that there is a very important economic request from Liverpool for Darwin — that is the real point of the negotiation.
At this moment, Napoli feels as though they have Darwin's OK for a possible transfer, now they have to make the numbers add up with Liverpool and the agents.
"So we are working in this direction, and we will continue to do so during this week. We are not saying that Darwin will definitely be a Napoli player, but over the weekend he gave a possible yes to the transfer.
"Liverpool spent big on Darwin so the club will clearly want to get back as much as possible.
"This is why we need to get the numbers of this deal right, but having Darwin open the door is certainly good news for Napoli."