Former Napoli and Uruguay midfielder Walter Gargano has claimed Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez has informed him that he is set to join the Serie A side this summer.
Antonio Conte's men are on the hunt for attacking reinforcements with Nunez supposedly having been identified as one good option. Last season, under Arne Slot, he fell down the pecking order and scored only four goals in the Premier League.
But the former Benfica forward is still talented and a move away after three years on Merseyside could make sense for all parties. Liverpool will demand a substantial fee but Nunez looks like a player in need of a new start.
Gargano is quoted by Area Napoli as saying: "I spoke to Darwin Nunez. He told me: 'Yes, I’m coming to Napoli. I’m waiting to close'."
Earlier this week, Fabrizio Romano reported that Nunez had given the "green light" to Napoli ahead of a possible move to Italy. Clubs in Saudi Arabia have also shown an interest but the player is thought to favor a move elsewhere in Europe.
Napoli already has Romelu Lukaku as a striker option but will sell Victor Osimhen, who was on loan in Turkey last season, at some point this summer. Nunez would add depth and a different option for Conte.
Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez.
Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez. (Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Moving leagues and playing for a team in the Champions League would likely appeal to Nunez. But former Tottenham star Chris Waddle believes Spurs should take a chance on the South American.
"Would Darwin Nunez be another Timo Werner? Timo Werner didn’t have the drive or desire to succeed at Spurs," the 64-year-old told OLBG.
"He looked a little in awe at being at the club, maybe questioning his own place in the team at times. He really lacked confidence.
"There is a big question mark around Darwin Nunez because it just hasn’t happened for him at Liverpool. He could go to a new club and start scoring. We’ve seen strikers do that over the years, so don’t rule him out of thriving in the Premier League.
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"I’m not sure what his future will be. I think with Darwin Nunez, 95 per cent of fans would be asking why. It would be a big gamble, but it could come off.
"He always gets chances, whether he plays for club or country. His problem has been about converting them. I think a loan deal would suit, for him to prove himself and Liverpool to have him off the wages, only time will tell. Maybe it’s worth the risk."
Liverpool.com says: Nunez could ignite somewhere but a clean slate and a move outside of the Premier League would make the most sense. Additionally, a loan wouldn't appeal to Liverpool. It should only be accepting a permanent exit.