Arnaut Danjuma breaks silence on Liverpool transfer links with surprise ‘downgrade’ comment
Liverpool transfer target, Arnaut Danjuma, has spoken out on the speculation he could be signed to replace Sadio Mane at Anfield.
Mane is expected to push for a Liverpool exit this summer after six sparkling years on Merseyside. Bayern Munich are the primary contender to land his services at present. However, their second bid was reportedly met with derision by Liverpool chiefs.
The two clubs remain far apart in how highly they value a move for the Senegalese forward. What’s more, the Guardian previously reported Liverpool would not sell until a suitable replacement is lined up first.
Fresh reports would suggest Benfica’s Darwin Nunez is that man. The latest on the Uruguayan – including a full breakdown of the proposed agreement thrashed out overnight – can be found here.
Nunez operates primarily as a centre-forward, meaning Luis Diaz would become Mane’s natural successor on the left wing.
That would all but rule the Reds out of a move for Villarreal’s Danjuma who had persistently been linked with a move.
Now, speaking to Sky Sports, Danjuma appeared to distance himself from a switch to Anfield. Furthermore, he hailed the Villarreal staff for helping to up his game and claimed he’d never “downgrade the club” he’s playing for.
“It’s a bit of a funny story, to be fair,” said the Netherlands international.
“We’ve all read what has been said in the press, but I am a quick learner. I did an interview in Holland saying I’m aware of the interest.
“They asked me if I was aware of it and I am, as everyone is. I’m aware of it, you are aware of it because it has been in the press. My phone literally went off all the time.
“In that sense, I am aware of it because of the media but I never actually confirmed the interest from Liverpool because the only one that confirms it to me is my team.
“I haven’t heard anything from my team and as it stands now, I am enjoying my football at Villarreal. I am really happy there. We had a fantastic season.
“Unai Emery has been fantastic to me. The striking coach has been fantastic to me. The entire club has been unbelievable to me so I’d never in that way downgrade the club I’m playing for.”
Darwin renders Danjuma move irrelevant
Given the lofty sums involved in a Darwin deal, it stands to reason Liverpool would not sign another forward this summer.
Luis Diaz’s arrival had also been earmarked for this window before being accelerated six months early when Tottenham entered the frame.
Aside from Mane, Liverpool will also lose Divock Origi and are reportedly open to selling Takumi Minamino too.
However, they would still have Mohamed Salah, Diogo Jota, Roberto Firmino, Diaz and Darwin on the books.
What’s more, Harvey Elliott can operate on the right side of the front three if required. Fabio Carvalho is expected to be given a chance to shine in the first-team too.
As such, Darwin – if signed – will more than likely be Liverpool’s last arrival in the final third this summer.
