Two European Giants are Leading the Race to Sign £70m Liverpool Star – Journalist | OneFootball

Darwin Nunez Transfer Latest: Atletico Madrid and Inter Milan Circle as Liverpool Open Exit Door

Darwin Nunez’s Liverpool journey appears to be nearing its conclusion, with top European clubs circling as the summer window approaches. Despite the Uruguayan striker’s potential and work rate, Liverpool are reportedly open to offers—marking a significant shift in stance after previously rejecting a £70m bid from Al Nassr in January.

As per James Pearce’s report in The Athletic, Atletico Madrid and Inter Milan are among the European giants monitoring Nunez’s situation. With just seven goals in 43 appearances across all competitions this season, patience at Anfield may be wearing thin. The club now seems prepared to part ways with their No. 9, despite significant early investment and high hopes for his development.

“There’s a real possibility he could leave,” Pearce notes, as the tone around Nunez becomes more businesslike than hopeful.

Photo: IMAGO

Liverpool’s Evolving Transfer Strategy

Liverpool’s willingness to sell Nunez reflects a broader shift under new manager Arne Slot, who is fresh off winning the Premier League title in his debut season. While the club’s attacking options remain potent—Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo are staying put—Slot’s Liverpool are clearly eyeing a new focal point in attack.

One name repeatedly linked is Alexander Isak, but any move for the Newcastle striker is fraught with complications. “There is an acceptance that deal would be very difficult to pull off, given the talk of a possible £150m valuation,” Pearce writes. That valuation places Isak well outside of Liverpool’s likely spending range, especially with Financial Fair Play (FFP) and squad depth still major considerations.

While the Isak chase may prove unfeasible, other options including Benjamin Sesko (RB Leipzig) and Hugo Ekitike (Eintracht Frankfurt) remain on the club’s radar.

Inter and Atletico Could Suit Nunez’s Profile

For Nunez, the idea of a move to La Liga or Serie A could be career-reviving. Atletico Madrid, in particular, have a track record of revitalising aggressive, industrious forwards under Diego Simeone. Their need for a physical striker to complement Antoine Griezmann could see Nunez fit seamlessly into their system.

Inter Milan, meanwhile, are also in the market for attacking reinforcements. A younger, faster forward like Nunez might inject much-needed pace into Inter’s frontline.

Photo: IMAGO

A move to either club would give Nunez the chance to reset mentally and tactically. His inconsistency in front of goal at Liverpool has frustrated fans and analysts alike, but a new environment—especially in a league with a less punishing tempo than the Premier League—may allow him to regain his confidence.

Uncertainty Across Anfield Attack

While Nunez may headline the transfer rumour mill, his fellow attackers aren’t free from speculation. Luis Diaz continues to be linked with a move to Barcelona, but “Liverpool do not want to lose him.” Similarly, Diogo Jota remains key to the squad’s depth, and there’s no indication he’s pushing for an exit.

Meanwhile, Federico Chiesa, who joined from Juventus for £10 million, has yet to truly ignite. With Salah still dominant on the right, minutes have been hard to come by for the Italian. Pearce notes that offers to return him to Serie A are likely, though Liverpool appear intent on keeping him.

Photo: IMAGO

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

As Liverpool fans, this report raises some complex emotions. Nunez is a player who divides opinion—his chaotic energy, relentless pressing, and ability to stretch defences are undeniable. But so is his inconsistency in front of goal. In a system as demanding and tactical as Arne Slot’s, that unreliability could be the final straw.

It’s clear the club still backs Slot’s vision—letting Nunez go so soon after investing over £80 million in him is a huge call. Yet, it also signals ruthless ambition. After all, this is a Liverpool team that just won the league. Slot isn’t building for top four finishes—he’s laying foundations to dominate domestically and in Europe.

Letting go of Nunez might sting, but there’s also a sense of strategic clarity. If Inter or Atletico can offer £60-70 million, and that money is reinvested smartly—perhaps even partially funding a move for someone like Benjamin Sesko—it might just be a win-win. And let’s be honest: watching Nunez start fresh in a system that better suits him could end up being better for everyone involved.

Still, we hope wherever he lands, he finds his shooting boots—and some peace of mind.