Liverpool is reportedly exploring a stunning swap deal to land what some consider “the best striker in the world,” with Victor Osimhen now firmly on their radar. According to TEAMtalk, the Premier League champions have initiated contact with Napoli over a potential deal and are open to including Darwin Núñez and Federico Chiesa as part of the negotiations.
Despite having comfortably clinched the Premier League title last season, Liverpool is showing no signs of slowing down in the transfer market. New manager Arne Slot has already secured Jeremie Frimpong and reached a club-record agreement for Florian Wirtz, with Milos Kerkez also expected to join from Bournemouth.
Now, the club’s attention has shifted to strengthening their attack. Sources report that Liverpool has joined a growing list of top European clubs interested in Osimhen, including Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal, and Real Madrid.
The 26-year-old Nigerian striker, fresh off an impressive season on loan at Galatasaray—where he scored 37 goals and added 8 assists in 41 appearances, helping them to a domestic double—is viewed as a marquee option. He returned to Napoli this summer, where his future remains uncertain.
Although Osimhen isn’t Slot’s top striker target, Liverpool is now seriously considering him, having opened direct talks with Napoli. Discussions reportedly began over the futures of Núñez and Chiesa—both players admired by Napoli boss Antonio Conte—but Osimhen’s name emerged during those conversations.
Liverpool signed Núñez from Benfica in 2022 for a fee rising to £64 million, while Chiesa joined last summer from Juventus but has struggled with injuries. Including them in a potential swap could offset both transfer costs and wages, freeing up an estimated £15 million annually, which could be reallocated toward Osimhen’s salary.
The striker has a £63 million release clause in his contract and is open to a move to a Champions League side, which makes Liverpool an appealing option. However, salary demands remain a potential stumbling block.
Talks remain in early and complex stages, and Osimhen is not rushing a decision. He may start pre-season with Napoli while evaluating his options.
