Arne Slot identifies first Liverpool transfer target as Reds boss seeks to replace Darwin Nunez at Anfield

The Dutch manager has already started working on his squad for next season and does not have a place for Nunez, according to The Sun. Instead, Slot wants to bring on board Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins who is fresh from scoring 19 Premier League goals in the 2023-24 campaign, to fire his team to a top-four finish. His overall tally for the season stands at an impressive 27 goals across all competitions, including a noteworthy contribution in Villa’s Europa Conference League campaign, where he scored eight in the team's run to the semi-finals.

Nunez, on the other hand, has faced a difficult period at Anfield. Despite showing promise earlier in the season, the Uruguayan striker has failed to find the net in his last ten games. His overall performance includes 11 goals and eight assists in the Premier League, supplemented by six goals and four assists in the Europa League and EFL Cup.

A potential move to Barcelona has been a topic of speculation, with the Catalan club reportedly interested in acquiring his services. This possible transfer aligns with Slot’s vision of refreshing Liverpool’s attacking options and bringing in a striker who can guarantee goals and consistency.

Watkins has a contract with Villa that runs until 2028. Hence, Liverpool will have to submit a substantial bid to lure the English forward to Merseyside. It has been reported that Vill are not averse to letting go of Watkins and Unai Emery is already contemplating alternatives should his striker make the switch to Anfield.

Watkins' exceptional form did not go unnoticed, earning him a spot in Gareth Southgate's provisional squad for Euro 2024. And if he performs well in the upcoming friendlies against Bosnia and Herzegovina and Iceland, he could well be included in the final 26-man squad.

Whereas, Nunez will be in action for Uruguay in the Copa America. A few impressive displays might help him gain the trust of his new manager at Liverpool and earn a new lease of life.