Darwin Nunez's replacement? Liverpool open talks with shock Premier League striker as Arne Slot seeks attacking reinforcement

Per Foot Mercato, Liverpool have held talks over a deal to sign Mateta from Palace this summer. The Reds are reported to have held talks with the striker's agent in Paris as they seek to gauge the feasibility of a deal. The Palace star scored 14 Premier League goals last season and has also been linked with AC Milan.

Darwin Nunez has continually been linked away throughout the summer window, amid interest from Napoli, and the Reds are assessing options for potential replacements. A deal to sign the Frenchman would cost around €60 million (£52m/$70m), and he has also been linked with a potential move to Manchester United.

Napoli have yet to meet Nunez's asking price, so a domino may have to fall for the Reds to pull the trigger on their pursuit of Mateta, but due diligence is clearly being conducted ahead of the Uruguayan's potential exit. Of course, the Reds also tragically lost forward Diogo Jota.

Liverpool play their next pre-season friendly against Milan on July 26 as the champions continue to prepare for their title defence.