Revealed: Liverpool want Arsenal target as Nunez replacement

Cameron Smith

• 30 May 2024 11:00 BST
• 4 min read

Liverpool are reportedly planning to pursue a summer move for Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins as they look to sign a Darwin Nunez replacement.

The Uruguay international moved to Anfield for €85 million in 2022, but he has failed to live up to his enormous price tag since joining the Reds.

Nunez scored 11 goals in 36 Premier League matches last season, but he failed to score in his final 10 appearances of the campaign and his form was a key reason why they dropped out of the title race.

READ MORE: Premier League summer transfers 2024 - All the Done Deals

With Arne Slot replacing Jurgen Klopp as Liverpool’s manager this summer, the Reds are keen to provide the Dutchman with a reliable number nine and have identified Watkins as the perfect target.

That is according to The Sun, who have reported that Watkins is admired by Slot.

The Villa star scored 27 goals and provided 13 assists in all competitions last campaign as Unai Emery’s side qualified for the Champions League for the first time since 1982-83.

READ MORE: Arne Slot's surprise first Liverpool deal revealed

Arsenal have previously been heavily linked with a move for Watkins, with rumours of a switch to the Emirates Stadium further fuelled by the fact he is a boyhood Gunners fan.

However, Mikel Arteta’s side are currently focused on signing Viktor Gyokeres, Benjamin Sesko or Joshua Zirkzee.

Ollie Watkins tipped for big move

Earlier this year, Roy Keane admitted that Watkins could leave Villa to join one of the traditional elite Premier League clubs.

“I think he could play for one of the top teams,” Keane admitted to Sky Sports.

“I know Aston Villa are a big club, but I mean the likes of Manchester United, Liverpool, and obviously Manchester City. That’s a compliment to him, not something against Aston Villa - I just think he’s got the capability, he looks so sharp, great movement to him and he’s as deadly as any striker in the Premier League.”

Watkins currently has an Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €51.3m and his contract at Villa Park runs until 2028 after he signed an extension last year.