Liverpool’s quest to bolster their attacking ranks with Napoli’s Victor Osimhen has hit a snag.
The Premier League champions, fresh off a dominant title-winning campaign under Arne Slot, are pushing hard to secure the Nigerian striker’s signature, but negotiations remain complex.
Slot’s Liverpool have been relentless in the transfer market, already securing five new faces, including goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili, wing-back Jeremie Frimpong, and attacking talents Armin Pecsi and Florian Wirtz.
Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez is also on the verge of joining. Despite spending over 190 million pounds, the Reds are laser-focused on adding a marquee No. 9 to sustain their dominance.
Osimhen, with just one year left on his Napoli contract, is available for around 75 million euros. Liverpool proposed a straight swap involving Federico Chiesa and Darwin Nunez, valuing the pair at 60 million euros and 20 million euros, respectively.
However, Napoli, led by president Aurelio De Laurentiis, demanded an additional 20 million euros, arguing Nunez’s valuation is inflated.
“There’s a market dance between Napoli and Liverpool,” De Maggio told Radio Goal, via Area Napoli. “Liverpool want Osimhen, but Napoli aren’t budging on the 75 million euro clause. The Reds offered a player exchange, but De Laurentiis wants Chiesa, Nunez, and 20 million euros for Osimhen.”
Napoli’s stance reflects their shift away from Osimhen under Antonio Conte, who has sanctioned the striker’s exit.
Meanwhile, Liverpool’s willingness to offload Nunez and Chiesa signals Slot’s ruthless squad overhaul, with up to 11 players reportedly facing the axe.
Recent X updates from Napoli’s official account confirm their openness to transfer talks, stating, “The club are evaluating all options to strengthen the squad for the new season.” No direct comment on Osimhen surfaced, but the post aligns with reports of ongoing negotiations.
Liverpool’s pursuit of other strikers, like Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike, remains active, though hurdles persist, per trusted sources. A rumored move for Sporting’s Viktor Gyokeres was swiftly dismissed, with Slot reportedly uninterested.
As talks continue, Liverpool’s ambition to land Osimhen underscores their intent to build a dynasty under Slot. Whether Napoli soften their stance or the Reds adjust their offer, this transfer saga promises more twists.
