Chelsea failed in surprise pursuit of Liverpool frontman last summer | OneFootball

In a surprise revelation from transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea reportedly made a last-ditch attempt to sign a Liverpool forward last summer in an unsuccessful attempt to bolster their forward line.

As reported in his Daily Briefing, Romano said that negotiations between the two clubs indeed took place, with Chelsea expressing genuine interest in buying Darwin Nunez ahead of the 2023/24 season.

"At the end of the last summer transfer window, in the final weeks where they were looking for a striker, they really tried to bring in Darwin Nunez," Romano revealed.

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Having only signed Nicolas Jackson from Villarreal for the centre-forward position, Chelsea remained in the market for a big-name striker all summer.

However, that never materialised, leaving the West Londoners increasingly desperate for some attacking firepower.

"They had conversations to make it happen, but for Liverpool, it was a clear 'No.' "

Klopp vetoed Nunez's Chelsea move

Though Nunez didn't have the best first season at Anfield, coach Jurgen Klopp is believed to have personally vetoed a move away from the club for the Uruguayan.

"What I heard is that Jurgen Klopp said no to that move, and really wanted to keep a crucial player for the present and future of Liverpool," Romano added.

Despite Chelsea being "super keen", Klopp remained resolute in his decision to keep hold of the striker, denying any possibility of a transfer.

Liverpool v Manchester City - Premier League - Anfield Liverpool s Darwin Nunez reacts after a goal for Luis Diaz is ruled out for offside during the Premier League match at Anfield, Liverpool. Picture date: Sunday March 10, 2024. EDITORIAL USE ONLY No use with unauthorised audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or live services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxUKxIRL Copyright: xPeterxByrnex 75585873

Will Nunez stay at Liverpool?

With the summer transfer window looming once again, speculation surrounding Nunez's future persists.

"Let’s see if some clubs will approach Liverpool this summer or if Darwin will end up staying at Liverpool where he remains an important player," Romano concluded.

Following a season punctuated by several high-profile missed chances, it remains to be seen what the future holds for Nunez in the post-Klopp era.

In fact, with one of his biggest advocates no longer around, the club may scour the market for a more clinical finisher.

As for Chelsea, their lack of European football next season, paired with financial constraints imposed by UEFA's Financial Fair Play regulations, makes it highly unlikely that they will renew their interest in Nunez this coming summer.

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