Liverpool have turned down a €55 million (£47m) bid from Napoli for Darwin Nunez, as the Italian side push to strengthen their attack under new manager Antonio Conte.
Napoli’s offer consisted of €50 million up front and €5 million in add-ons as part of. a total package worth around £47.5 million.
However, Liverpool swiftly rejected the proposal, with sources close to the club indicating they are holding out for a significantly higher figure.
The Reds are believed to value Nunez closer to €60–70 million (approximately £56–60 million), given their original investment of £64 million in 2022, which could rise to £85 million with add-ons.
Despite the initial setback, Napoli remain interested and are expected to return with an improved bid.
According to Gianluca Di Marzio, Napoli are still interested in completing this signing.
Nunez is reportedly open to the move and is said to be keen on linking up with Conte at Napoli.
He prefers a European destination over offers from Saudi clubs, which have also expressed interest.
Napoli have also been linked with a move for Lorenzo Lucca of Udinese, should their pursuit of Nunez collapse.
From Liverpool’s perspective, rejecting the initial bid makes sense for several reasons.
Liverpool are determined to recoup most of their initial outlay on Nunez. Accepting a bid below £50 million would represent a substantial loss on a player who still holds significant resale value, particularly after showing flashes of improvement last season.
Arne Slot has yet to fully integrate Nunez into his plans. The Uruguayan made fewer than 10 Premier League starts last season and seems stylistically mismatched with Slot’s preferred system. A sale would free up both funds and space for a striker more aligned with the Dutchman’s tactics and vision for the future.
The forward market is bleak this summer and Liverpool are in no rush. Napoli’s growing urgency gives the Reds leverage to demand a higher fee. Unless another club enters the race, the Merseyside outfit can afford to wait and see if Napoli return with a more compelling offer.