Napoli have turned down Liverpool’s opening offer for Victor Osimhen, as transfer negotiations intensify for the in-demand Nigerian striker. Meanwhile, Galatasaray are making a parallel push to bring the forward back to Turkey following his prolific loan spell.
According to Italian journalist Valter De Maggio, Liverpool proposed a swap deal involving Darwin Nunez and Federico Chiesa in exchange for Osimhen. However, Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis rejected the offer, demanding both players plus an additional €20 million to meet the striker’s €75 million release clause.
“There is a strong interest from Liverpool,” De Maggio told Radio Goal. “But De Laurentiis insists on full value — €75 million — and won’t accept any discount or equal-exchange proposals.”
Liverpool, fresh off a dominant Premier League title win under new manager Arne Slot, have made Osimhen their top attacking target. The Merseyside club has already spent over €190 million this summer on five players, including Giorgi Mamardashvili, Jeremie Frimpong, Armin Pecsi, and Florian Wirtz, with Milos Kerkez expected to be confirmed soon.
Despite their heavy investment, the Reds remain keen on adding a marquee striker. They reportedly value Nunez at €60 million and Chiesa at €20 million, which they believe matches Osimhen’s valuation — a stance Napoli do not share.
Sources suggest that if talks continue, the complex deal could be structured as three separate transactions to navigate financial regulations and valuation disagreements.
Elsewhere, Galatasaray have re-entered the race for Osimhen, with head coach Okan Buruk personally calling the forward to urge a return to Istanbul. Buruk reportedly told Osimhen that joining the Super Lig champions again would be “the best decision of his career.”
Osimhen enjoyed a remarkable season in Turkey, scoring 37 goals and registering eight assists in 41 appearances as Galatasaray secured a domestic double.
The 26-year-old is also being targeted by Saudi Arabian giants Al Hilal, who are preparing an eye-watering three-year deal worth €160 million, which would earn Osimhen over €40 million annually. Reports claim coach Simone Inzaghi has reached out directly to persuade him.
Juventus are also monitoring the situation but would face a steeper price tag, as Osimhen’s €75 million release clause applies only to non-Italian clubs, giving Napoli leverage to demand a higher fee from Serie A rivals.
Premier League clubs Manchester United, Chelsea, and Arsenal have also been linked with the Nigerian star, who is reportedly taking time to evaluate all offers before making a final decision.
