Liverpool face an obvious decision over Darwin Nunez’s future after £86m transfer links emerge

Another day, another Liverpool transfer rumour, and this time it looks like it could have an effect on the current squad at Anfield. The wait continues for the Reds to announce their first signing of the summer transfer window, but regardless, there continues to be speculation about the possible deals that could be on the cards.

Arne Slot is Liverpool’s new head coach and is currently assessing his squad during pre-season training which has now ended in the United States. In the future, decisions will be made on new signings and one rumor suggests a striker could be heading to Merseyside.

Football Insider recently reported that Sporting Lisbon star Victor Gyokeres is a target for Liverpool. The report claims the forward, who has an £86m release clause, is now being monitored by the Reds, with Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur all said to be in the running.

Gyokeres scored 43 goals for Sporting last season, so it’s no surprise to see his name linked with a big-money move this summer. It is somewhat surprising, however, that Liverpool would be mentioned in this rumor mill.

Liverpool already have Darwin Nunez, Cody Gakpo and Diogo Jota as centre-forward options. While Gakpo and Jota are also capable of operating on the left wing when needed, Nunez’s specialty is through the middle in a No. 1 role. 9.

The signing of Gyokeres, who is also a centre-forward, would automatically lead to questions about Nunez’s future at Liverpool. There has been tentative speculation about Nunez in recent months, although there have been no concrete rumors of clubs wanting to sign the Uruguayan international.

Liverpool have agreed a £64.1m deal with Benfica to sign Nunez in 2022, which could rise to £85.5m with add-ons. Nunez is contracted at Anfield until 2028, so there is no concern that the Reds will not be able to get the valuation for the player if he were to leave the club.

However, Arne Slot has yet to work with Nunez during his time as Liverpool’s new head coach. Nunez is still on holiday following his Copa America stint with Uruguay and will return to pre-season training in the next two weeks.

With Slot still yet to see what Nunez can do with his own eyes in his own system, it is even less likely that Liverpool will be inclined to let the striker leave unless a substantial offer is made. Combine that with recent rumors linking Gyokeres with a move to Anfield, it would also seem unlikely that the Reds are in the market to sign a new striker.

As long as the transfer window remains open, anything is possible, but Liverpool would like a few quiet weeks when it comes to outings. In terms of revenue, however, it remains to be seen what is being worked on behind the scenes with Slot and new sporting director Richard Hughes.