Report: Liverpool offer duo to hijack ‘world class’ striker deal | OneFootball

Liverpool Plot Stunning Osimhen Swap Deal Amid Manchester United Rivalry

Slot Eyes Elite Striker Upgrade for Title Defence

In what could prove to be one of the summer’s most talked-about transfer sagas, Liverpool have reportedly launched an audacious bid to sign Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, offering a package deal involving Darwin Nunez and Federico Chiesa. According to The Standard, “Liverpool have entered into negotiations for Napoli striker Victor Osimhen as they look to refresh their attacking options ahead of next season’s Premier League title defence.”

Arne Slot is clearly not here to play it safe. After ushering in the £116m arrival of Florian Wirtz and replacing the departed Trent Alexander-Arnold with Jeremie Frimpong, Slot is now eyeing a frontline overhaul that could finally address Liverpool’s n0.9 inconsistencies.

Nunez and Chiesa on the Chopping Block

Liverpool’s proposal hinges on using two out-of-favour players as leverage. “The club has offered the out-of-favour pair of Darwin Nunez and Federico Chiesa to Napoli in exchange for Victor Osimhen.” Nunez, despite numerous opportunities, has struggled for consistency, netting only five times in 30 Premier League appearances last term. As The Standard rightly states, “Nunez is yet to find his feet on Merseyside… as they cruised to the title.”

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Federico Chiesa, meanwhile, has failed to settle after joining from Juventus. Having made little impact, Chiesa now appears keen to return to Italy to reignite his international prospects. “The Italian [is] especially keen to return to his home country as he chases a return to the national team under Gennaro Gattuso.”

Napoli Want More Than a Straight Swap

While Osimhen’s release clause stands at £64.2m, Napoli reportedly value the Nigerian striker more highly. “Napoli… will demand £17m on top of the two players to complete the deal,” The Standard reports. The Serie A side are also believed to be keen to shed Osimhen’s hefty wage bill, estimated at £200,000 per week.

The 25-year-old Nigerian international bagged an impressive 26 goals in 30 games on loan at Galatasaray last season, including a memorable bicycle kick that earned him goal of the season in Turkey. With Chelsea, PSG, and Al Ahli previously interested, Liverpool face strong competition – including from Manchester United.

Eyes on Osimhen, but Backup Plans in Place

With United also keen and negotiations likely to be drawn out, Liverpool are keeping their options open. Alternatives such as Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak remain on the radar, although The Standard warns Isak “would require a bid in the region of £150m to be pried away from St James’ Park.”

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

From a Liverpool fan’s perspective, this deal is as bold as it is risky – but ultimately feels like a move that signals real ambition from Arne Slot and the recruitment team.

Let’s be honest: Darwin Nunez has had his chances. Despite his athleticism and effort, his composure in front of goal has let him down too often. Trading him for a more clinical finisher like Osimhen, who scored 26 league goals in Turkey last season, is a clear upgrade.

Chiesa, too, hasn’t clicked. He’s looked like a square peg in a round hole and has never quite delivered on the creative spark he was expected to bring. So packaging him in a deal makes perfect sense – especially if it facilitates the arrival of a world-class No.9.

Of course, £17m on top of Nunez and Chiesa feels steep, especially when Osimhen reportedly has a release clause of just over £64m. But that extra cost may be worth it if it secures a player capable of 25+ goals a season in England.

The real win here would be snatching Osimhen from under Manchester United’s nose. That kind of move sends a statement – not just to rivals, but to the rest of Europe – that Liverpool are serious about staying at the summit under Slot.

This is the kind of aggressive, top-table business we haven’t always seen from Liverpool in recent years. If they pull it off, fans will rightly be excited.