Liverpool are in advanced talks with Napoli over a potential blockbuster swap deal that could see Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen move to Anfield, with Darwin Núñez and Federico Chiesa heading in the opposite direction, Inside Media Sports Arena reports
The Merseyside club has reportedly initiated negotiations with Napoli, now managed by Antonio Conte, to sign the 26-year-old forward, who is widely expected to leave the Serie A side this summer following a successful loan stint at Galatasaray.
According to TEAMtalk, Liverpool have also held discussions with Osimhen’s representatives in a bid to convince the player to make the switch to the Premier League. While Osimhen has a £63 million release clause in his contract, Liverpool are hesitant to meet the full valuation and are instead proposing a part-exchange deal involving Núñez and Chiesa.
Osimhen has been a constant figure in transfer rumours in recent windows. He previously turned down offers from Chelsea and Saudi Arabia before agreeing to a season-long loan at Galatasaray. During his time in Turkey, he delivered a remarkable performance by scoring 37 goals and providing seven assists in 39 appearances. His bicycle kick against Antalyaspor was named the Turkish Super Lig Goal of the Season, receiving 65.8% of fan votes.
Back at Napoli this summer, Osimhen’s exit appears almost certain. Al Hilal of Saudi Arabia have made a renewed push to sign him, reportedly tabling a staggering €50 million-per-year salary offer. However, Osimhen has continued to reject offers from the Middle East, having already declined a €30 million-per-year deal just 11 days ago. The striker remains committed to continuing his career in Europe.
Liverpool are reportedly open to parting ways with Núñez following his inconsistent performances last season. Chiesa, who joined the Reds only a year ago, is also set to leave after an injury-riddled campaign that limited his involvement under new manager Arne Slot.
Osimhen is viewed as an ideal fit for the Premier League due to his pace, strength, aerial ability, and clinical finishing. He previously led Napoli to the 2022/23 Serie A title with 26 goals in 32 matches.
His arrival would mark a major statement by Liverpool, who are looking to build on their recent Premier League triumph. The club has already signed Jeremie Frimpong and is closing in on deals for Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz and Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez.
However, Liverpool face stiff competition for Osimhen’s signature. Manchester United have reopened talks after missing out on Swedish striker Viktor Gyökeres, while Galatasaray remain hopeful of bringing the Nigerian back on a permanent deal.
With just one year left on his Napoli contract, Osimhen is poised to leave the club with an impressive tally of 76 goals and 18 assists in 133 appearances since joining from Lille in 2020. His relationship with the club’s management soured last summer, which ultimately led to his loan move to Turkey.
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