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Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<ul><li>Nunez arrived at Anfield from Benfica in 2022</li><li>Struggled to make an impact in first season </li><li>Chelsea's bid to hijack him turned down by Liverpool</li></ul><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script>

Chelsea wanted Darwin Nunez! Liverpool rejected shock Blues approach for Uruguayan forward last summer

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Nunez's journey at Anfield began in 2022 when Liverpool secured his services from Benfica for <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/news/liverpool-complete-nunez-transfer-64m-benfica/bltb9f4fc8cc1230c02" target="_blank">£64 million ($79m) with another £21m ($26m)</a> in add-ons. Despite a promising spell with Benfica, Nunez initially struggled to justify his hefty price tag at Liverpool, facing criticism for inconsistent performances and missed opportunities. According to <a href="https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/darwin-nunez-liverpool-chelsea-jurgen-klopp-8r8qhqsm0" target="_blank">The Times</a>, Chelsea wanted to bail out the misfiring striker which prompted sporting director, Paul Winstanley, to initiate discussions with Liverpool regarding Nunez's availability. However, the Merseyside club swiftly rebuffed Chelsea's inquiry, dispelling speculations about Nunez's departure and reaffirming their commitment to the player.

WHAT HAPPENED?

However, the tide turned for Nunez this season as he has demonstrated a resurgence in form, already matching his goal tally from the previous campaign in the Premier League alone and showcasing improved performance metrics. In fact, he heads into the Carabao Cup final on Sunday in blistering form boasting of having three goals and one assist in his last five matches.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Despite missing out on Nunez, Chelsea bolstered their squad with two forwards in Nicolas Jackson from Villarreal and Christopher Nkunku from RB Leipzig. However, the pair have failed to live up to expectations and have just 11 goals between them.

DID YOU KNOW?

If Nunez successfully overcomes a muscle problem to face Chelsea in the upcoming Carabao Cup final, he will be eager to add to his ever-increasing goal tally. His resurgence serves as a testament to Klopp's faith in his abilities, as the <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/liverpool-jurgen-klopp-darwin-nunez-fulham/bltecdbf8d5239a6312#cs30d78e162ee5809a" target="_blank">German manager has refused to throw him under the bus</a> even when he has struggled in front of goal.

WHAT NEXT?

Chelsea wanted Darwin Nunez! Liverpool rejected shock Blues approach for Uruguayan forward last summer | Goal.com US

Chelsea reportedly expressed an interest in acquiring Darwin Nunez during the last summer transfer window, before Liverpool rejected their approach.