Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version or go back to LFC Live.net

Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images

Atletico Madrid CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin has addressed recent speculation linking the club with Liverpool’s Darwin Nunez.

As we approach the summer transfer window, the striker finds himself at a critical crossroads in his Anfield career.

The Uruguayan, who arrived from Benfica in 2022 for an initial £65 million with potential add-ons reaching £20 million, appears increasingly likely to depart Merseyside after what has been a challenging third season under Arne Slot.

Darwin Nunez’s time at Liverpool has been characterized by moments of brilliance overshadowed by frustrating inconsistency.

The 25-year-old striker has managed just six goals and five assists in 35 appearances this season, with many of these coming as a substitute rather than from the starting lineup.

Arne Slot has frequently preferred both Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz in the striker position this term.

Liverpool were “very close” to selling him to Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr during the January transfer window.

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, all parties – including Nunez himself – were willing to complete the transfer, but the Anfield club ultimately pulled the plug.

As a result, the striker has now been linked with the likes of Atletico Madrid, who reportedly want him to replace the ageing Antoine Griezmann.

However, Atletico Madrid CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin has categorically denied these reports, saying in a statement to Saudi outlet 365scores:

“We are not looking for a striker, our team needs to strengthen other positions, which is what the management of Atletico Madrid is discussing during the current period.”

“Nunez is not in the club’s contractual plans in the coming period, and what has been published about our interest in the player is unfounded.”

The financial dimension of any potential Nunez transfer cannot be overlooked?

Despite signing for a potential fee of up to £85 million, Nunez’s current market value has dropped.

This represents a significant depreciation from Liverpool’s initial investment, though the club will undoubtedly aim to recoup as much as possible from any sale.

As the season progresses toward its conclusion, all signs point toward Darwin Nunez departing Liverpool this summer.

With multiple suitors expressing interest, Liverpool appearing open to a sale, and the player himself seemingly receptive to a move, the primary questions remaining concern the destination and transfer fee rather than whether a move will materialize.

Want to get the latest Liverpool news direct to your phone