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Liverpool are searching for a more prolific striker than Darwin Nunez in the summer window
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Liverpool are now preparing to replace Darwin Nunez in the summer transfer window with a proven quality striker, after reportedly having already held initial talks. While Mohamed Salah has performed superbly for Liverpool, scoring goals for fun in the Premier League, the lack of an out-and-out No. 9 has ultimately seen the Reds come unstuck in the Champions League, FA Cup and League Cup. Defeat to Newcastle on Sunday at Wembley highlighted the side's deficiencies if Salah isn't firing, and has now become a key area Arne Slot is keen to address in the summer transfer window. With Salah's future still unclear, the Reds could be in an even worse position at the start of next season if they fail to replace his goals. Indeed, Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez have managed 15 goals between them this term, which has often seen Slot prefer to play Luis Diaz as a false nine in order to make up for the lack of a consistent finisher in the team aside from Salah. The Reds' recruitment department have already discussed the possibility of bringing a top striker to Anfield in the summer, too, as they look to capitalise on a strong debut campaign under Slot. According to former Watford defender William Troost-Ekong, Liverpool - along with multiple other top sides - have already discussed the possibility of signing on-loan Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen. Toost-Ekong plays with Osimhen at international level for Nigeria, and revealed what the 26-year-old's future has in store. “I know he’s a Chelsea fan, but I also know he’s had talks with all the top teams, " Troost-Ekong told Talksport. "It’s up to him what he chooses. He will fit into every team. I know Liverpool have spoken about getting a new striker next season. We will see. The best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week. “I’m also reading, like everyone else is, that he has a clause this summer. When he went to Galatasaray I think it worked out amazingly for him. I couldn’t see him playing there for another season, or anywhere else but the Premier League next season. ” Osimhen has scored 26 goals in 30 apperances for Galatasaray this term, highlighting his reliability in front of goal wherever he plays. As Troost-Ekong highlights, Osimhen will return to Napoli in the summer with it unlikely he will make his Turkey move permanent. The Nigerian forward's Napoli contract doesn't expire until 2026, though, so any Premier League club wanting to sign him will have to match his £63m release clause -the same fee he is valued at by Transfermarkt. In Four Four Two's view, Osimhen would thrive in the Premier League thanks to his technical ability and physicality, with Liverpool certainly a potential destination if Salah decides to move on at the end of his current deal. Chelsea or Arsenal seem the most likely destinations at this stage, however, consdering both clubs' needs for a prolific goalscorer. Manchester United have also been linked. Liverpool are back in Premier League action after the international break, with the Reds playing Everton at Anfield. Ryan is a staff writer for Four Four Two, joining the team full-time in October 2022. He first joined Future in December 2020, working across Four Four Two, Golf Monthly, Rugby World and Advnture's websites, before eventually earning himself a position with Four Four Two permanently. After graduating from Cardiff University with a degree in Journalism and Communications, Ryan earned a NCTJ qualification to further develop as a writer while a Trainee News Writer at Future. 'We have a similar understanding of football and he was interested in how I saw things. He's a legend - it was the best football experience in my life' Michael Olise opens up on the influence of Thierry Henry Has Alisson played in the Carabao Cup for Liverpool this season? Over HALF the Premier League could qualify for Europe next season, with one of Tottenham or Manchester United missing out
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