Report: Arne Slot Chooses Dream Man United Target as “Perfect” Replacement for Darwin Nunez
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has reportedly identified Victor Osimhen as the ‘perfect’ replacement for Darwin Nunez, with recent developments shedding light on the club’s stance regarding the Uruguayan striker’s future.
Speculation has intensified amid suggestions that Nunez faces an uphill battle to secure his long-term place at Anfield. The 25-year-old, who joined Liverpool from Benfica in the summer of 2022 for an initial fee of £64m (€75m, $79m), has seen his role diminish under Slot this season.
Nunez has frequently found himself third in the attacking hierarchy, with Slot often preferring Diogo Jota or deploying Luis Diaz in a central attacking role.
The Liverpool manager has openly acknowledged that Nunez has struggled to adapt to his tactical approach, further fueling uncertainty over his future.
As a result, rumours surrounding Nunez’s potential departure have gained momentum in recent weeks, with many speculating that his time at Anfield could soon come to an end.
Reports now suggest that Liverpool are preparing to pursue a high-profile replacement in the form of Victor Osimhen.
The Nigeria international, currently on loan at Galatasaray, has recently been linked with Manchester United, with reports claiming that Ruben Amorim views him as a primary target for 2025.
Although a move in the January transfer window appears unlikely, Galatasaray are reportedly confident of retaining Osimhen until the end of the season.
However, a summer transfer to the Premier League seems increasingly plausible, especially with parent club Napoli reportedly lowering his release clause to €75m (£62m, $76.5m).
According to Anfield Watch, Anfield could be Osimhen’s next destination instead of Old Trafford. Reports claim that Slot has identified Osimhen as his perfect summer signing, a view shared by Liverpool’s sporting director Richard Hughes and CEO of football Michael Edwards.
What Arne Slot Really Thinks About Darwin Nunez Sale
Liverpool’s interest in Victor Osimhen dates back several years, with the Nigerian first catching the attention of Michael Edwards during his time at Lille, before his eventual move to Napoli.
While the club have continued to keep tabs on his progress over the years, a potential transfer was never seriously pursued until now.
According to Anfield Watch, any move for the 26-year-old striker would hinge on Darwin Nunez departing the club. Despite limited playing time this season, the Uruguayan still seems to have plenty of admirers across Europe.
Football journalist Ben Jacobs has indicated that Arne Slot does not appear to view Nunez as a central figure in his long-term plans at Anfield.
TEAMtalk reports that AC Milan expressed interest in Nunez last summer and continue to admire the forward. However, Liverpool’s valuation of over £50m (€60m, $61.7m) reportedly deterred the Italian side, and they remain unwilling to meet that price tag, making a January exit unlikely.
Chelsea have also been previously linked with Nunez, but TEAMtalk claims that he does not fit the profile of player they are currently targeting, and he is not on their shortlist.
Newcastle United, on the other hand, are understood to hold an interest in Nunez. The Magpies could potentially revisit their pursuit in the summer if Liverpool’s asking price aligns with their valuation.
Slot has previously acknowledged discussions with Nunez about adapting to his tactical style, something the striker has seemingly struggled with. This season, Nunez has managed just four goals in 24 appearances, further casting doubt over his long-term role under Slot.
On the player’s wastefulness in front of goal, Slot said in December: “For me, he has an impact. If you only look at goals, he hasn’t scored as many as he wants to score or we want a number nine to score.
“But he does have an impact in his work rate and that’s not just to prevent the other team from making a chance, but also for us when we lose the ball to be aggressive and we can get the ball back and create chances…
“…Maybe because the fans support him so much, he wants it almost too much, to score that goal for the fans and for himself.”
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