Atletico Madrid CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin has slammed "baseless" rumours linking Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez with a move to the Spanish capital.
Earlier this week, it was claimed that Diego Simeone's side had identified the Uruguayan as an ideal summer signing, and he is a striker that the Rojiblancos boss possesses a 'great admiration' for.
Atletico are facing some uncertainty over the long-term future of veteran Antoine Griezmann, who is out of contract in 2026, and it was reported that a new number nine would therefore be high on their radar for the summer.
Nunez is expected to be put up for sale by Liverpool after failing to play his way into Arne Slot's good books, but any hopes of pulling on the red and white jersey appear to have been extinguished.
Asked about Atletico's apparent interest in the South American by 365Scores, CEO Gil Marin denied that his side were pursuing a move for Nunez and also poured cold water on rumours that they are looking for a new marksman at all.
Atletico's Marin: 'Nunez transfer rumours are baseless'
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"We are not looking for a striker, but our team needs to strengthen in other positions, which is what Atletico Madrid's management is discussing at the moment," Marin told the publication.
"Nunez is not part of the club's contracting plans in the coming period, and what was published about our interest in the player is baseless."
While Atletico are seemingly not intending to make a move for Nunez this summer, the former Benfica man should still not be short of offers despite his sustained struggles this season.
The 25-year-old has only scored six goals and provided five assists in 36 appearances this term, including four efforts from 22 games in the Premier League, where he has made just seven starts this season.
Nunez was only brought on for the dying embers of Wednesday's 2-0 triumph over Newcastle United, having previously been criticised by his manager for his attitude against Aston Villa the week before.
What next for Nunez after Atletico chief comments?
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Whether Nunez will have the chance to continue his career in European football at all remains to be seen following Marin's revelation, but he can expect the Saudi Pro League to offer him an escape route.
The Reds apparently turned down a mammoth £70m offer from Al-Nassr during the January transfer window, as they would have had little time to find a suitable replacement.
However, Liverpool should be in no position to turn down a similar package when the summer rolls around, although Nunez is said to be fully committed to the Premier League leaders until then.
Liverpool agreed to potentially make Nunez their most expensive signing of all time in 2022, paying Benfica an upfront fee of £64m potentially rising to £85m with performance-related add-ons.
The 25-year-old has since registered 39 goals and 22 assists in 132 matches for the Merseyside giants, winning one EFL Cup and one Community Shield in the process.
Ben Knapton
