Liverpool in talks over sensational swap deal for ‘the best striker in the world’ – Report…

Liverpool is in discussions regarding a remarkable swap deal for ‘the best striker in the world’ – sources

Liverpool has emerged as the latest contender in the pursuit of Victor Osimhen, as the Premier League champions engage in talks about a swap deal, according to sources from TEAMtalk, which also reveals the striker’s position on a possible transfer from Napoli.

Despite having secured the Premier League title last season with relative ease, Liverpool is not resting on its laurels and has been quite active in the summer transfer window.

Manager Arne Slot has already brought in Netherlands international right wing-back Jeremie Frimpong to bolster his squad, and a club-record agreement has been reached for Germany international attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz. Additionally, Hungary international left-back Milos Kerkez is poised to join Anfield from Bournemouth.

Liverpool is also aiming to acquire a new striker during the summer transfer window, and TEAMtalk has disclosed that the Reds have initiated contact regarding Osimhen.

The 26-year-old is a top-tier striker and has returned to Napoli following a loan stint at Galatasaray last season.

Osimhen netted 37 goals and provided eight assists in 41 matches last season, contributing to Okan Buruk’s team winning both the Turkish Super Lig and the Turkish Cup.

Regarded as “the best striker in the world” by Nigeria manager Eric Chelle on BBC Sport Africa earlier this week, Osimhen has attracted interest from several clubs, including Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal, and Real Madrid, as reported by TEAMtalk on June 14.

Sources have informed TEAMtalk that Liverpool has become the ninth club to enter the competition for the 26-year-old striker and is prepared to include Darwin Nunez and Federico Chiesa in a potential swap arrangement.

Although Osimhen is not Liverpool manager Slot’s primary target, the Nigerian striker is now being given serious consideration.

Liverpool has established a direct line of communication with Napoli, exploring various options, including a possible swap deal.

Recently, initial discussions have occurred between Liverpool and Napoli – also facilitated by intermediaries – concerning Nunez and Chiesa, two players highly valued by Napoli manager Antonio Conte.

Liverpool aims to transfer Uruguay international striker Nunez, who was acquired by the Reds for an initial fee of £64 million in the summer of 2022, while Italy international winger Chiesa has faced injury challenges since his £10 million transfer from Juventus last summer.

Sources have informed TEAMtalk that it was during these talks regarding Nunez and Chiesa that Osimhen’s name came up.

TEAMtalk has learned that Chiesa and Nunez are the two Liverpool players potentially involved in the discussions surrounding a complicated negotiation for Osimhen.

Victor Osimhen’s position on his future – sources

Simultaneously, Liverpool has also reached out to Osimhen’s representatives.

The striker is receptive to a transfer to a Champions League club, as previously reported, and the Merseyside club’s involvement in the tournament is a significant consideration.

The primary hurdle may be the Nigerian star’s salary expectations. Nevertheless, if Liverpool successfully offloads Nunez and Chiesa, they could save approximately £15 million annually, funds that could be allocated towards Osimhen’s salary.

The negotiations are still in the early phases and are quite challenging, but they are ongoing.

However, Osimhen, who has a release clause of £63 million in his Napoli contract, is not in a hurry to make a decision and may begin pre-season with Napoli before finalizing his choice.