Fabrizio Romano: Liverpool Set for ‘Direct Talks’ Today to Discuss £50m Striker Deal | OneFootball

Fabrizio Romano Confirms Liverpool are Set for Direct Talks Over Darwin Nunez Future

After securing the arrivals of Jermie Frimpong, Florian Wirtz, Milos Kerkez and Giorgi Mamardashvili, Liverpool now must balance the books with outgoings.

Trent Alexander-Arnold, Caoimhin Kelleher and Jarell Quansah have all already agreed to exits, bringing in around £63m already. Harvey Elliott, Andy Robertson, Federico Chiesa and Darwin Nunez all could follow them out of the exit door at Liverpool.

Fabrizio Romano has provided a crucial update on the latter of those names as Napoli push to sign Nunez, saying:

“Understand Napoli and Liverpool will have direct contacts today to discuss conditions of Darwin Nunez deal.”

“Negotiations still at early stages but Napoli had green light from Nunez as revealed in the recent days… deal depends on financial requests now.”

Reports suggest that Liverpool will likely hold out for a fee in the region of £50million for the striker after turning down a £70million offer from Saudi Arabia in January.

The 26-year-old has become a frustrating figure since his £71million move from Benfica back in 2022, scoring just five goals as Liverpool lifted the Premier League title in Arne Slot’s first season.

Napoli are also believed to be keen on signing Federico Chiesa, who only arrived at Anfield last summer for a fee of £12million. The Reds will look to get their money back on the Italian, who struggled for both form and fitness during his time on Merseyside.

Liverpool’s Potential Replacements

Liverpool’s interest in Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak has been well-documented, but that deal remains difficult and highly expensive. There’s no doubt that the Reds will push for the Swedish striker, but Newcastle’s stance is clear.

Another name heavily mentioned is Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike, with Liverpool set to battle Chelsea for the Frenchman’s signature. The 23-year-old would likely cost in the region of £70million after a stellar season in the Bundesliga.