Darwin Nunez's stance on Liverpool transfer exit as Man Utd twist emerges
Darwin Nunez could leave Liverpool this summer and Serie A champions Napoli are reportedly readying a bid for the striker, who struggled for regular starts last season
Darwin Nunez is reportedly keen on a move to Napoli this summer, with the Serie A champions looking to strengthen their attack. Victor Osimhen is expected to leave Napoli after spending last season out on loan at Galatasaray and Antonio Conte wants more support for top scorer Romelu Lukaku.
Lukaku scored 14 league goals as Napoli lifted their fourth league title, while back-up striker Giovanni Simeone managed just one and Giacomo Raspadori largely featured in a slightly deeper role or out wide.
Napoli have been linked with a number of attacking options, including Nunez and Manchester United's Rasmus Hojlund. However, it appears as though Napoli have decided to prioritise Nunez with the Athletic now reporting that they are set to make an official bid in the coming days.
The report states that Nunez is 'open to moving to Naples' after falling out of favour under Arne Slot last season. The 26-year-old made just eight Premier League starts last season and came in for criticism from Slot over his attitude and work-rate.
Speaking after Nunez missed a chance against Aston Villa in February, Slot said: "For the second time in a row I wasn't happy with his work effort, against Wolves and against Villa.
"I always try to be honest with my players and be honest as I can to you guys as well where I always try to protect my players so I don't say he never worked hard. I know him differently.
"I know him at Villa at home where he made a 100 metre sprint and scored a goal, I know him when he came on at City at home and was pressing really aggressively and wins the ball back and we score.
"But I can't accept if a player doesn't give everything. That is clear. I can accept it once but twice was a bit too much."
Liverpool are also said to be weighing up whether to replace Nunez, having already spent big this summer to sign Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong while a deal is also in place to sign Milos Kerkez for around £40m.
The Reds have also seen Trent Alexander-Arnold leave for Real Madrid, while Caoimhin Kelleher has been sold to Brentford and Nat Phillips has joined Championship outfit West Bromwich Albion.
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