Liverpool reportedly have no intention of allowing Darwin Nunez to move elsewhere before the end of the summer transfer window.
Since making the big-money switch from Benfica in 2022, the forward has contributed 33 goals and 17 assists from his 97 appearances in all competitions.
However, Nunez has continued to divide opinion courtesy of the amount of big chances that he has regularly squandered during his stint on Merseyside.
With just 20 goals in the Premier League, the perception is that the Uruguay international has failed to justify his transfer fee, which could rise to in excess of £80m should all add-ons be activated.
His participation at the Copa America has contributed to Nunez being behind other players in terms of fitness, and it has come as no surprise that he has started the opening two Premier League fixtures among the replacements.
Nevertheless, a report by Fichajes has indicated that title rivals Arsenal may be ready to test Liverpool's resolve regarding a sale.
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Liverpool set stance over Nunez future
Head coach Arne Slot has started with Diogo Jota down the middle of his attack for the fixtures against Ipswich Town and Brentford, Liverpool prevailing 2-0 on each occasion.
Those games have been played when fellow forward Cody Gakpo has also been working his way back up to full fitness on the back of his efforts with Netherlands at Euro 2024.
Nevertheless, despite the prospect of Gakpo being brought back into the starting lineup in time, it appears that Liverpool have set their stall out with regards to Nunez.
As per The Athletic, Liverpool will not be selling any of their current crop of attackers before Friday's transfer deadline.
That is despite the prospect of Juventus forward Federico Chiesa being in line to be added to the squad over the coming days as Slot finally secures a fresh face for this season's squad.
The previous report in Fichajes had indicated that it would take an offer of £73m for Liverpool to considering changing that stance.
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Is Nunez likely to play a backup role?
When speaking about other players who have been linked with moves away such as Wataru Endo, Slot has stressed that he needs as many players at his disposal as possible for a gruelling campaign.
Nunez possesses different attributes to that of Jota and can expect to be utilised on a regular basis, particularly if Gakpo is deployed in his favoured role on the left flank.
Liverpool may soon have six world-class forwards on their books who are capable of playing in more than one position, and Slot may feel that could prove to be pivotal as the season progresses.
Darren Plant
