Report:Liverpool step up talks with Napoli over major summer deal | OneFootball

Slot’s Ambition Drives Aggressive Summer Strategy

Liverpool’s determination to avoid stagnation under new manager Arne Slot has seen them blaze through the summer transfer window at a relentless pace. After reclaiming the Premier League crown with a 10-point cushion in the Dutchman’s first campaign, the Anfield hierarchy appears committed to giving Slot every tool he needs to build a lasting legacy. The pursuit of Victor Osimhen is arguably the clearest reflection yet of that ambition.

TeamTalk reports that talks between Liverpool and Napoli for the Nigerian forward have begun in earnest. The Serie A side, now under Antonio Conte, have made it clear they are ready to move on from Osimhen, who has just one year left on his contract. Slot, keen to put his own tactical stamp on Klopp’s squad, has already overseen five incoming deals this summer, with Milos Kerkez expected to be the sixth. But even after spending over £190 million, the hunt for a true No.9 remains Liverpool’s top priority.

Osimhen, powerful, athletic, and direct, is considered the ideal candidate to spearhead Slot’s pressing, transitional game. But while Liverpool are intent on landing the 25-year-old, Napoli are proving to be predictably uncompromising.

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Initial proposals from Liverpool involved what they termed an “equal exchange” including Darwin Nunez and Juventus’ Federico Chiesa, who has also been linked to Anfield this summer. Both players are deemed expendable under Slot, with TeamTalk stating the Reds value the Uruguay striker at €60m and the Italy winger at €20m.

Napoli, however, are not in agreement. According to journalist Valter De Maggio, Aurelio De Laurentiis has “other ideas” about what constitutes value. “The English club wants Osimhen and Napoli, from this point of view, does not make discounts on the clause, so it asks for the €75 million as per the contract,” De Maggio said.

He added: “Liverpool would have opened to Napoli, proposing an equal exchange between the players involved in this operation. [Napoli president] Aurelio De Laurentiis, however, has other ideas and from that ear he doesn’t hear us: the president of the blue club asks for Chiesa, Nunez and €20 million for the Osimhen card.”

This stance complicates matters for Liverpool, who already see the swap as financially fair. Napoli’s valuation, however, suggests they consider Nunez’s form to have depreciated since his high-profile arrival from Benfica, and they are pushing for extra financial compensation.

Nunez Edges Towards Serie A Move as Talks Progress

Despite the disagreement on valuation, there is movement. Nunez, perhaps realising his time at Anfield is nearing its conclusion, is reported to have given the green light for a switch to the Amalfi Coast. That could provide the key that unlocks this complex multi-player negotiation.

Rather than a bundled swap, sources suggest Liverpool and Napoli may break the transactions into three separate deals. This tactic would allow both clubs to better manage the optics and accounting of the transfers involved. It also reflects the reality that each player’s valuation will be negotiated on its own terms.

Chiesa, whose future at Juventus appears uncertain amid contract stalling and injury concerns, remains a target for several Premier League clubs. Whether Liverpool can include him as part of this operation or finalise his move independently will likely depend on how talks with Napoli evolve.

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Osimhen Deal Signals Long-Term Vision, Not Just a Quick Fix

Victor Osimhen represents more than just another marquee signing. He would be a definitive stylistic shift in Liverpool’s attack. Unlike the more erratic Nunez, Osimhen thrives in tight spaces, is decisive in front of goal, and has already proven himself in both Ligue 1 and Serie A. His Champions League pedigree adds further weight to Slot’s growing ambitions for a European resurgence.

Given Slot’s tactical emphasis on verticality and aggression in transition, Osimhen could act as the focal point for a new-look front three, potentially flanked by Luis Diaz and Mohamed Salah, or Wirtz and Frimpong in more fluid roles.

Yet, Napoli’s hard-line stance should not be underestimated. De Laurentiis is one of Europe’s toughest negotiators and if Liverpool are unwilling to raise their bid, they risk missing out on a player who could define the next phase of their evolution.

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Liverpool fans will likely see this Osimhen pursuit as a statement of intent. After years of Klopp’s pragmatism, Slot is building a side to dominate, not just compete. Signing Osimhen would represent a move that pairs physical dominance with technical precision, a perfect marriage for Premier League success.

That said, supporters will be wary of losing Darwin Nunez too soon. While frustrating at times, the Uruguayan has shown flashes of elite-level promise. His energy, off-the-ball movement, and raw passion endeared him to fans, even if his finishing lacked consistency. The addition of Chiesa into the deal adds another emotional layer, given his injury record and adaptation questions.

However, with over £190 million already spent, including on highly-rated names like Wirtz and Frimpong, Slot appears to have a clear long-term plan. Most fans would argue that spending big on a proven, world-class No.9 like Osimhen is worth the gamble. Liverpool now need to ensure they don’t let negotiations stretch into August.

Ultimately, if FSG and Slot can pull off this deal, it would set a benchmark for the rest of the league. Champions do not settle. They evolve.