Report: Nunez Emerges as Napoli’s Key Striker Option | OneFootball

Nunez on Napoli’s Radar as Liverpool Consider Summer Shake-Up

Napoli lining up Nunez as key part of summer rebuild

Darwin Nunez could be on the move again this summer, with Serie A leaders Napoli among the clubs eyeing the Liverpool forward. The Uruguayan has become one of three shortlisted striker targets for the Italian outfit as they prepare an ambitious reshuffle, anchored around their pursuit of Manchester City playmaker Kevin De Bruyne.

Napoli’s growing interest comes at a pivotal time for Liverpool. Despite a Premier League-winning campaign, questions around Nunez’s long-term role at Anfield have resurfaced. The striker’s erratic form in front of goal has prompted fresh scrutiny, and Liverpool may be tempted to cash in on one of their priciest signings yet.

Nunez still valued despite inconsistencies

Since his move from Benfica in 2022, Nunez has split opinion. His raw pace and relentless energy have provided moments of promise, but inconsistency in finishing and decision-making have prevented him from cementing a starting berth under successive managers.

Liverpool’s potential decision to part ways with Nunez is not purely performance-based. The club’s recruitment team is exploring options to evolve the squad further, with a more clinical striker possibly being sought to spearhead another title charge. Nunez’s departure would open up valuable financial and squad space—crucial, especially if big-name reinforcements are incoming.

Reports from Corriere Dello Sport indicate that Napoli have now placed Nunez on a shortlist of forward options, alongside Lille’s Jonathan David and FC Porto’s Samu Aghehowa. The club’s interest in bolstering their attack comes as they plot a summer of transformation built around Kevin De Bruyne, who is expected to leave Manchester City at the end of his contract.

De Bruyne chase could shape Nunez decision

While there has been vague speculation about De Bruyne potentially joining Liverpool, those suggestions have been swiftly dismissed by insiders. Instead, Napoli have emerged as serious contenders to land the Belgian midfielder, and his arrival could directly influence their striker recruitment strategy.

“Nunez is one of the names on the list,” reports Corriere Dello Sport, with the 24-year-old seen as a possible focal point of a revamped Napoli frontline—particularly one supplied by De Bruyne’s creative brilliance.

Further confirmation has arrived from Sport Italia journalist Alfredo Pedullà, who reports Napoli’s admiration for Nunez remains strong. Liverpool are said to value him at around €55 million (£46.5 million), though Napoli may need to navigate significant wage differences to bring him on board. Nunez remains one of Liverpool’s highest earners, while Napoli operate on a more conservative salary structure.

Photo: IMAGO

Napoli’s Uruguay connection a potential pull

Napoli’s history with Uruguayan talent could work in their favour. Edinson Cavani’s prolific years in Naples left a lasting impression, and the club’s ties to Uruguay remain intact with left-back Mathías Olivera currently in the squad. That relationship could help smooth any transition for Nunez, although, as of now, the player’s stance on a move to Italy remains unclear.

With a contract at Liverpool running until 2028, there’s no urgency from Nunez’s side to rush into a decision. However, with multiple clubs monitoring his situation, this summer could be decisive.

Whether Napoli step up their interest with a formal approach will likely hinge on their success in luring De Bruyne to Serie A. Should they secure the Belgian maestro, the temptation to install Nunez ahead of him may become too strong to resist.