Napoli have called off the Darwin Nunez chase, citing Liverpool’s asking price as a reason, with Antonio Conte already bringing in an alternative.
According to Eleonora Trotta, Napoli are no longer considering a move for Darwin Nunez despite chasing the Uruguayan for weeks. The Serie A champions have cited the €60 million that Liverpool asked for as the main reason for calling the chase off, as Antonio Conte has already agreed a deal for an alternative option.
Darwin Nunez was not considered good enough for Liverpool midway through last season. Arne Slot barely used the Uruguayan in his starting lineups, instead preferring to use winger Luis Diaz regularly as a false-nine in what turned out to be a title-winning campaign.
Liverpool are eager to sell the striker, with Napoli the most credible of suitors so far for the Uruguayan. There have been constant dialogues between the two teams over the last many weeks, and there appeared a time when it felt Nunez was closing in on a switch to Antonio Conte’s side.
Napoli were keen to wrap up the deal for around €40 million, but as things stand, they have called off the chase, citing Liverpool’s demands of €60 million for the Uruguayan. Apart from Eleonora Trotta, Fabrizio Romano has also confirmed the news, where he also mentions Saudi Arabian interest in Nunez.
Whether the striker is keen on a move to the Middle East at this stage of his career remains to be seen, as plenty of players around his age bracket have refused the idea this summer. Conte wanted a new striker in his team to complement Romelu Lukaku, and having called off the chase of Nunez, they have already signed Lorenzo Lucca from Udinese, as Romano gave the Here We Go on that move.
Could Liverpool struggle to sell Darwin Nunez?
There’s a distinct possibility that Liverpool might struggle to sell Nunez, especially if no other European club are willing to pay the €60 million asking price. There are plenty of factors in play, as the Reds are keen to sign a new striker amid links to Hugo Ekitike, and as of Tuesday, they have enquired about Alexander Isak.
Either of those strikers will require a large outlay, as Liverpool were hoping to partly fund the move for a new striker with the Nunez sale. The club will hope the Uruguayan has an interest in a move to Saudi Arabia, and if the striker rejects the idea, there’s a possibility he may remain at Merseyside for another season at the very least.