Liverpool maintains a seven-point lead at the top of the Premier League following their thrilling 3-3 draw at Newcastle on Wednesday night. However, Darwin Nunez faced criticism once again for another lackluster performance, fueling speculation about Arne Slot seeking a replacement.
The £85 million signing has managed only two goals in 11 Premier League appearances this season, making Liverpool’s success under Slot even more remarkable when considering how much more effective they could be with a reliable No. 9 leading the attack.
The Reds have begun exploring alternatives to Nunez in the market, with Inter Milan’s Marcus Thuram and Eintracht Frankfurt’s Omar Marmoush heavily linked to potential moves to Anfield.
According to journalist Francois Plateau, the Merseyside club is also contemplating a January move for Brighton forward Joao Pedro.
While Nunez presents a constant threat in Liverpool’s attack, his goal-scoring return has been disappointing. The 25-year-old has recorded three goals and two assists in 18 games across all competitions, with the stellar form of Mohamed Salah, along with key contributions from Luis Diaz and Cody Gakpo, masking Nunez’s struggles in front of goal.
It appears that a move for the impactful Pedro could materialize in the new year, especially given his goals against Manchester United, Arsenal, and Man City this season.
Despite battling injuries this term, the Brazil international has netted four goals in eight appearances for the Seagulls after scoring 20 times during the 2023/24 campaign following his transfer from Watford.
Although Plateau does not specify the transfer fee Brighton might demand for the player, whose playing style is reminiscent of former Liverpool favorite Roberto Firmino, he is currently valued at €50 million (£41m/$53m) on Transfermarkt.