Liverpool have communicated their asking price for Darwin Nunez to Juventus, with the potential sale expected to aid Arne Slot and Richard Hughes in securing a deal for Newcastle United star Alexander Isak.
Expectations were high for Nunez when he joined Liverpool from Benfica in the summer of 2022 for a then club-record fee of £85million (€98.2m), including add-ons.
The Uruguay international had scored 34 goals in all competitions for Benfica in the 2021/22 season, including strikes in both legs of the Portuguese club’s quarter-final tie against Liverpool.
Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp reportedly chose to sign Nunez over Isak, who instead moved to Newcastle and could now be on his way to Anfield this summer.
While Nunez’s work rate and commitment have never been questioned, the striker has often missed easy chances and has not proven as prolific as expected in the Premier League.
In 143 appearances for Liverpool, he has scored 40 goals and provided 26 assists.
This record has led manager Arne Slot and sporting director Richard Hughes to decide it is time to part ways with the 26-year-old.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has reported that Nunez will “100%” leave Liverpool this summer, with clubs from the Saudi Pro League showing interest.
It has now emerged that Juventus are in talks with Nunez’s representatives, as the Serie A side look to sign the Liverpool forward.
According to Tuttosport, Juventus made “initial contacts” with Liverpool “last week” and have “began discussions” with Nunez’s agents.
Liverpool are “determined” to sell Nunez this summer and are asking for a minimum of €55million (£47.6m).
However, the Premier League club are also open to alternative arrangements, including a loan with an option or obligation to buy upon meeting certain conditions. This flexibility has piqued Juventus’ interest.
Juventus Director of Football Damien Comolli has publicly stated that talks are ongoing with Paris Saint-Germain to make Randal Kolo Muani’s loan deal permanent, but Nunez remains on the club’s radar as an alternative option.
Tuttosport adds that Juventus need to sell Dusan Vlahovic in order to fund a permanent signing of any striker.
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