Slot told to AXE Darwin Nunez after calling out Liverpool striker's 'behaviour'

Liverpool have been urged to sign Newcastle star Alexander Isak to replace the misfiring Darwin Nunez.

Arne Slot criticised Nunez's unacceptable 'behaviour' after the £85million striker missed a golden chance in Liverpool's frustrating 2-2 draw away to Aston Villa on Wednesday. "I would prefer him to score but the word 'chance' says it all. It's a chance so it's not 100 per cent sure that the ball goes in, and players miss chances," Slot affirmed.

"That I can accept but what was a bit harder for me to accept was his behaviour after that chance. I think it got too much in his head, where he wasn't the usual Darwin that works his a** off and makes sure he helps the team... that is something we will talk about."

But Nunez, who had interest from Saudi Arabian clubs during the winter transfer window, might not have long to prove himself under Slot, especially if ex-Liverpool defender John Arne Riise gets his way. The former left-back, who played at Anfield between 2001 and 2008, has urged the Reds to join Arsenal and Chelsea in the race for Isak, who'd reportedly cost a huge £150million.

"I've seen the rumours saying that you he would love a move to Liverpool as well," Riise told Metro via BetMGM. "Every striker would love to go to Liverpool at the moment when how they play, but I think it would be a great addition to the team.

"He plays football with a smile on his face, he likes to be creative, he's quick, he's very good in front of goal so I think that would be a great signing. If there's one place I think Liverpool should strengthen or do something in the summer it's the striker position for sure."

Those comments aren't to say that Riise isn't a fan of Nunez, however. "Sometimes you have players in the team that you love watching and you love having a team and Nunez is one of them. He fights, he works hard, he is that kind of character," the 2005 Champions League-winning defender went on to explain.

"So often he gets these chances and you think, 'Yeah, now he's going to loosen up now, he's going score', but it hasn't come for him. And so, no matter how much I love his personality and how he plays, Liverpool are a top, top club that need a striker who scores goals on a regular basis.

"We have (Mohamed) Salah but he's not a striker, he's a winger. We need a striker who is more clinical and will take care of his chances when he gets them. You will miss some but Nunez has missed quite a few massive chances that he should have scored.

"So it's a hard one being a Liverpool fan and loving Nunez as a player but if you look at the team and what the team needs to stay up there at the top, I think we need to look at a striker who is more clinical in front of the goal."