Liverpool's Top Priority: New No 9 Acquisition Plans Accelerate
Liverpool Prioritizing Acquisition of Top Striker
Liverpool is focusing on acquiring a top striker, with discussions about Darwin Nunez's departure expected to speed up, according to a report. Nunez has been linked with Napoli and Al-Hilal, but Liverpool's demand for around £70 million could complicate a move to the Serie A champions. However, progress on the 26-year-old's transfer is anticipated soon.
The Athletic reports that Newcastle's Alexander Isak and Eintracht Frankfurt's Hugo Ekitike are still key considerations for Liverpool. The report emphasizes that several factors need to align for the interest to materialize. Reds' sporting director Richard Hughes previously admired Chelsea's Nicolas Jackson, but a move for the Senegal international is less likely now that he is with Chelsea.
Liverpool has shifted its focus to signing a top striker in the summer transfer window. Talks regarding Darwin Nunez's departure are set to accelerate, with interest from Napoli and Al Hilal. Other potential striking targets for Liverpool earlier in the window included Viktor Gyokeres, Victor Osimhen, and Joao Pedro. However, many of these targets have already secured moves or are close to transfers.
Liverpool has made three major signings this summer, spending a total of £185 million on Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, Giorgi Mamardashvili, and Milos Kerkez. The club has rejected offers for winger Luis Diaz, indicating a focus on adding a central striker. However, player sales may be necessary due to the significant financial outlay. Nunez is likely to be the first to depart, with Napoli's president personally involved in the negotiations.
Napoli is considering Udinese's Lorenzo Lucca as an alternative to Nunez, with a potential cost of £34 million. Despite this, Napoli is still interested in Nunez and must decide whether to pay more for him instead of pursuing Lucca. The tragic death of Diogo Jota may have impacted the club's plans for the transfer window, as he was expected to play a significant role for Liverpool this season.