Juventus Rekindle Interest in Darwin Nuñez Amid Chelsea and Newcastle Race

Juventus have reignited their interest in Chelsea target Darwin Nuñez, SportsBoom can exclusively reveal.

The Uruguayan international has been a long-term target of the Italian giants and they are hoping to make it third time lucky in their attempt to sign him. 

Former Liverpool striker Nuñez has been axed by Al-Hilal in the Saudi Arabia Pro League after the controversial addition of Karim Benzema, who made a free transfer between two clubs owed by the Saudi PIF Fund. 

That has left the 26-year-old assessing his options ahead of his next move.

Juventus were priced out of a move for the hitman last summer due to Liverpool’s valuation and eventually moved to Saudi for £46million. 

When he became available in the winter window, it was deemed his £20million per year salary was a stumbling block and our sources understand that remains the case.

But Juve, who are desperate to sign a proven marksman as they look to reassert themselves among the Italian top table once again, hope their persistence pays off and a deal can be struck this time around.

Premier League Chelsea are already in talks with the player over a move at the end of the season.

Newcastle United are reportedly also in the race, but it is understood Nuñez is one of a number of strike options the club are looking at.

Chelsea are understood to be the most likely destination as things stand, but Nuñez would want to be first choice at his next club and on-fire £60million summer signing Joáo Pedro his 18th goal in an increasingly impressive campaign at the weekend. 

If Chelsea secure Nuñez, it could trigger the sale of Liam Delap, who has been linked with Everton, though boss Liam Rosenior has urged the club to hold on to him.

PL Return On Cards For Nuñez

Nuñez’s next move will be the fourth big-money transfer of his career.

Benfica shelled out a Portuguese record €24million to sign him in 2020 and his 48 goals in 85 appearances for the club, with 26 strikes in 28 league games in his second season, earning him a £64million move to Liverpool.

Whilst at Anfield, Nuñez netted 40 goals in 143 games before his Saudi switch, which lasted 24 games.