Chelsea are reportedly interested in signing Darwin Nunez from Al-Hilal during the summer transfer window, as Xabi Alonso looks to strengthen his attacking options. The Blues invested heavily in new players last year, spending €339.2 million, but several signings including Liam Delap, Alejandro Garnacho, and Jamie Gittens failed to make a significant impact during their first season at Stamford Bridge.
Nunez, currently deregistered from Al-Hilal’s Saudi Pro League squad since February, has attracted attention from several European clubs. According to a report from Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona, Newcastle United, and Liverpool are also monitoring the Uruguay international’s situation. Liverpool are even considering a potential move to bring Nunez back to Anfield.
The 26-year-old forward initially joined Liverpool from Benfica in 2022 for a fee of €85 million. While he has scored nine goals in 24 appearances for Al-Hilal, the club are prepared to sell him on a permanent deal this summer. Nunez is reportedly favouring a return to Liverpool, despite the presence of Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike, but the appointment of Alonso as Chelsea manager could influence his decision.
Chelsea are willing to consider offers for Delap, who scored only one Premier League goal last season, but have already secured a replacement in Strasbourg striker Emmanuel Emegha. Nicolas Jackson will also be given an opportunity to impress Alonso during pre-season following the conclusion of his loan spell with Bayern Munich. A move for Nunez would appear somewhat redundant given Jackson’s return and the recent acquisition of Emegha. During his time at Liverpool, Nunez showed flashes of potential but only managed five Premier League goals in his final season, raising questions about whether he would represent a significant upgrade over existing options at Chelsea.
