Darwin Nunez future takes fresh twist as new club make Liverpool star top summer transfer target
Rossoneri favour Liverpool striker
Al-Hilal hold rival interest
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WHAT HAPPENED?
According to Sky in Italy, AC Milan "will make a serious attempt" to equip returning head coach Massimiliano Allegri with a new striker, with an effort to sign Nunez from Liverpool already made. For sporting director Igli Tare, the Uruguayan is considered the number one target from a list that also includes Dusan Vlahovic, Rasmus Hojlund and Arnaud Kalimuendo.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Contact with Nunez's camp is said to have been made, but negotiations remain "complicated". There is rival interest from Saudi Pro League giants and Club World Cup quarter-finalists Al-Hilal, who are yet to make a formal offer.
DID YOU KNOW?
Milan's three centre forward from last season - Luka Jovic, Tammy Abraham, Santiago Gimenez - managed only 10 Serie A goals between then, with Gimenez the only one still at the club. A more prolific number nine is required and, at his previous best, Nunez netted 26 goals in 28 Primeira Liga games for Benfica during a breakout 2021-22 campaign in Portgual.
WHAT NEXT?
Nunez has been linked with Atletico Madrid, Napoli and Al-Nassr already this summer, with nothing ultimately materialising. Milan's finances might not stretch to Liverpool's reported €60 million (£52m/$70m) asking price, which is perhaps why negotiations aren't straightforward for the Rossoneri. Al-Hilal might have a better chance in that sense, if Nunez can be persuaded to leave Europe, but leaving Liverpool in some capacity is in his best interests unless he wants to spend a season on the bench behind Hugo Ekitike, and possibly Alexander Isak too.
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