Arne Slot’s reported top target is a player for whom Liverpool would likely need to break their transfer record to sign this summer.
The Daily Express reports that the top name on the head coach’s wish list is Victor Osimhen, with Napoli CEO Aurelio De Laurentiis demanding a hefty £110m fee.
The report indicates that Liverpool’s leadership is ready to provide Slot with a substantial budget for his first transfer window, potentially directing a large portion towards acquiring the Nigerian striker, who is reportedly eager to leave the Serie A club.
The 25-year-old striker is attracting significant interest from other clubs, but the required financial commitment has caused talks with Paris Saint-Germain to stall and Arsenal to withdraw from negotiations entirely.
If Liverpool manages to sign Osimhen before the transfer deadline a month from now, it would be a strong response to missing out on Riccardo Calafiori, who recently joined Arsenal despite Liverpool’s interest.
Despite Napoli’s poor 2023/24 season, Osimhen scored 15 goals in 25 league games, following a 26-goal season that contributed to their previous Serie A title victory.
While Osimhen’s proven track record in Europe is impressive, Liverpool paying the demanded fee would be a significant leap of faith, with expectations for immediate returns on the investment.
Ironically, Darwin Nunez, currently Liverpool’s most expensive player when including add-ons from his 2022 move from Benfica, would likely have to adjust to a different position or be left out if Osimhen joins the team.
Signing the Napoli striker would be a major statement if Liverpool lands Slot’s ideal target, though it remains difficult to imagine at this moment.
