Liverpool Boss Slot Identifies Top Target To Replace Nunez

Arne Slot, the new manager of Liverpool, is reportedly aiming to bring in a new striker at Anfield in the summer to replace Darwin Nunez.

According to The Sun, the Dutch manager has already begun assembling his team for the upcoming campaign and Nunez will not be included. Instead, Slot hopes to bring in Ollie Watkins, a striker for Aston Villa who just finished with 19 goals in the Premier League during the 2023–24 season, to lead his squad to a top–four finish. With an outstanding 27 goals in all competitions this season, he has made a significant impact for Villa, having scored eight goals during the team’s march to the semifinals in the Europa Conference League.

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Nunez, though, has had a challenging time at Anfield. The Uruguayan striker, who showed promise early in the season, has not scored in his previous ten appearances. In the Premier League, he has contributed 11 goals and 8 assists, and in the Europa League and EFL Cup, he has added 6 goals and 4 assists.

A potential move to Barcelona has been a topic of speculation, with the Catalan club reportedly interested in acquiring his services. This possible transfer aligns with Slot’s vision of refreshing Liverpool’s attacking options and bringing in a striker who can guarantee goals and consistency.

Villa and Watkins are bound by an agreement that expires in 2028. Liverpool will therefore need to make a big offer to entice the English forward to Merseyside. According to reports, Watkins is not afraid to leave Vill, and in the event that his striker decides to move to Anfield, Unai Emery is already thinking of other options.

Watkins’ outstanding play caught Gareth Southgate’s attention, and he was included in his preliminary Euro 2024 team. Furthermore, he might make the final 26-man roster if he plays well in the forthcoming friendlies against Bosnia and Herzegovina and Iceland.

Whereas, Nunez will be in action for Uruguay in the Copa America. A few impressive displays might help him gain the trust of his new manager at Liverpool and earn a new lease of life.