Arne Slot preparing stunning raid on Premier League rivals to sign Darwin Nunez ‘replacement’

Liverpool’s new boss, Arne Slot, is reportedly targeting a Premier League star to replace Darwin Nunez.

In the summer of 2022, Liverpool and Benfica agreed on a fee believed to be €75 million for Nunez’s transfer. The Uruguayan impressed with 26 goals in 28 league matches for the Portuguese club. However, the 24-year-old has struggled to adapt to English football and has often been criticized for missing big chances.

Towards the end of the 23/24 season, Nunez cast doubt over his future by removing Liverpool-related pictures from his Instagram account. Reds fans also criticized Nunez for not applauding during Jurgen Klopp’s farewell ceremony at Anfield.

Ahead of the summer transfer window, it has been suggested that Nunez’s place in the squad could be at risk. As reported by The Sun, England star Ollie Watkins is admired by Slot, and Aston Villa is preparing for a bid from Liverpool.

The report stated that the Reds have doubts over Nunez, who has recently been linked with a move to Spanish La Liga giants Barcelona. During the 23/24 season, Nunez managed 11 goals and eight assists in 36 Premier League matches but failed to score in his last 10 games for the club and could now be replaced.

Watkins, 28, had an outstanding season under Unai Emery, playing a key role in Villa’s successful charge for Champions League qualification. In 53 matches across all competitions this season, Watkins managed 27 goals and 13 assists, the best return of his career to date. As a result, Watkins was named in Gareth Southgate’s provisional England squad ahead of this summer’s Euro 2024.

However, the former Brentford man faces tough competition from the likes of Harry Kane and Ivan Toney. Villa will be in a strong position to keep hold of Watkins after he signed a new deal last year that runs until 2028. Upon signing his new contract, he said, “I feel like this is the best place for me to play my football. I’ve still got a lot to achieve here.”