Liverpool is reportedly preparing to initiate negotiations for the signing of Nigerian striker, Victor Osimhen, from Napoli during the upcoming summer transfer window.

The 26-year-old forward, who spent last season on loan at Galatasaray, delivered an impressive performance, netting 37 goals and providing eight assists in 41 appearances.

According to British outlet Caught Offside, Liverpool’s interest in Osimhen aligns with their plans to potentially replace Darwin Núñez, who has attracted attention from clubs in Saudi Arabia and Europe.

“Liverpool wants to sign him (Osimhen) this summer, and they are looking at other attacking options as well. It remains to be seen whether they come forward with an offer to sign the Napoli striker.

“He is unwanted at the Italian club, and the Italian champions will look to sell him in the summer. Liverpool will hope to negotiate a reasonable deal for him. It remains to be seen how the situation unfolds.”

Osimhen’s contract with Napoli includes a release clause of approximately £63m, making him a financially viable option compared to other high-profile strikers. Additionally, reports suggest that Osimhen has expressed a willingness to join Liverpool, potentially facilitating the negotiation process.

As Liverpool seek to bolster their attacking options ahead of the new season, Osimhen’s proven goal-scoring ability and physical attributes make him a strong candidate to lead the line at Anfield. However, they may face competition from other Premier League clubs, including Manchester United and Chelsea, who have also shown interest in the Nigerian international.

While Anfield could be Osimhen’s next destination during this summer’s transfer window, the Reds are also on the lookout for other attacking options, including Newcastle United star Alexander Isak, Benjamin Sesko of RB Leipzig, and Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike, as they plan to move on from Uruguayan international Darwin Nunez, who only managed to find the back of the net just seven times in all competitions in the just-concluded 2024/2025 campaign for the Merseysiders.

Coach Arne Slot’s side have been busy in the transfer market, having recruited Dutch full-back Jeremie Frimpong from German Bundesliga outfit Bayer Leverkusen in a deal worth £29.5m, they have reportedly tabled a club-record fee of £105m for Frimpong’s teammate Florian Wirtz, while academy product Trent Alexander-Arnold has left the club in a £10m move to Spanish La Liga powerhouse Real Madrid.

Osimhen, 26, enjoyed a stellar 2024/2025 campaign on loan at Turkish Super Lig giants Galatasaray from Italian Serie A champions Napoli, but he is set to return to his parent club in Naples in the summer to sort out his future.

Osimhen has been linked with a host of clubs with Manchester United and Chelsea among the clubs interested in the striker. (The PUNCH, but headline rejigged)