Liverpool ‘In Talks’ Over Triple Deal for £84million Striker – Report | OneFootball

Victor Osimhen to Liverpool? Talks Underway but Napoli Stand Firm

Arne Slot has wasted little time stamping his authority on Liverpool. After guiding the Reds to a dominant Premier League title in his debut season, the Dutchman is reshaping the squad with speed and intent. With five new faces already in the door and Milos Kerkez soon to be confirmed, Liverpool’s transfer strategy shows no sign of slowing. But there remains a notable gap: a centre-forward.

Victor Osimhen, the powerful Nigerian striker long admired by Jürgen Klopp, is now firmly in Liverpool’s sights. According to TeamTalk, talks are active between the Reds and Napoli, with the Serie A side open to a sale. However, negotiations have hit an early impasse.

Napoli Hold Firm Over Valuation

While Osimhen has just one year remaining on his contract, Napoli are determined not to budge from their €75 million (£64 million) valuation. Liverpool’s initial offer reportedly proposed an “equal exchange” involving Darwin Nunez and Federico Chiesa — both players expected to leave Anfield this summer. Yet Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis is holding out for more.

Photo: IMAGO

“There is a market twining between Naples and Liverpool,” journalist Valter De Maggio told Radio Goal, via Area Napoli. “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.”

Liverpool believe the combined value of Nunez (€60m) and Chiesa (€20m) is more than sufficient. But De Laurentiis reportedly wants both players plus an additional €20m, arguing that Nunez is overvalued.

Deal May Take Separate Shape

Despite the gap in valuation, talks remain ongoing. De Maggio added: “Liverpool would have opened to Napoli, proposing an equal exchange between the players involved in this operation. [But] the president of the blue club asks for Chiesa, Nunez and €20 million for the Osimhen card.”

It’s increasingly likely that, should a deal progress, it will be structured as three separate transfers — particularly with Nunez having already “green-lit a switch to the Amalfi Coast.”

This approach could allow both clubs to manage financials and amortisation more cleanly, though it requires full alignment on player valuations. Liverpool, still mindful of Financial Fair Play, may look to offload others before committing major cash.

Photo: IMAGO

Liverpool’s No.9 Puzzle

Despite the flurry of signings, the club still lack a true No.9. While links to Viktor Gyokeres have been dismissed and Hugo Ekitike remains of interest, the scale of Liverpool’s ambition is underscored by the pursuit of Osimhen.

Slot has earned the trust of Liverpool’s board, but patience will be key. Should Napoli remain stubborn, Liverpool might need to decide if Osimhen is worth the total package Napoli are demanding.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

From a Liverpool fan’s perspective, this story is both thrilling and frustrating. Osimhen is the kind of striker who could terrorise Premier League defences — his pace, strength and work ethic fit the current Liverpool mould. But there’s an unmistakable whiff of De Laurentiis playing hardball again, something fans have seen before with other drawn-out Napoli exits.

There’s also curiosity over Chiesa’s involvement. While not a Liverpool player, his inclusion in swap discussions hints at possible multi-club talks or pre-arranged clauses. If Nunez leaves, fans will be split. His numbers have been erratic, but his raw potential and passion have made him a cult figure. Seeing him replaced by someone more proven could be a bitter pill wrapped in promise.

Slot clearly wants a focal point who matches his tactical demands — and Osimhen looks ideal. But the club must tread carefully. Overpaying now could restrict movement elsewhere, especially with 11 reported exits looming.

Ultimately, fans will back any deal that pushes Liverpool further ahead, but many will hope this saga doesn’t turn into another drawn-out summer distraction. The excitement is real, but so is the impatience.