Liverpool 'joins race' for Victor Osimhen transfer to 'replace' Darwin Núñez

Liverpool could be in the race to sign Napoli striker Victor Osimhen this summer, according to reports in Italy. That could be bad news for Darwin Núñez.

The Uruguay international has scored 18 goals and added 13 assists in 51 appearances across all competitions for the Reds this season. That has seen him improve on his tally of 15 goals and four assists in his first campaign at Anfield.

Doubts persist over his ability to lead the line for Liverpool though. Núñez has missed a number of golden opportunities to add to his tally this season, and is currently on a run of seven games without a goal.

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Jamie Carragher is among those unconvinced that Núñez can lead Liverpool to the biggest trophies, and has claimed the club faces a ‘big decision’ on his future this summer. Reports on the continent suggest a replacement may have already been identified.

According to Italian outlet Corriere dello Sport, Osimhen wants to leave Napoli this summer, and Liverpool has been added to the list of potential suitors. Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain are also linked.

The Nigeria international would come at a fairly hefty cost though. Osimhen is said to have a $139m (£111m/€130m) clause in his contract, although the report suggests PSG is currently leading the race and ready to offer $96m (£77m/€90m).

Osimhen though is said to be dreaming of a move to the Premier League, which could play into Liverpool’s hands. The Reds also hold an advantage over United and Chelsea, with Champions League football set to be back at Anfield next season.

Liverpool.com says: Osimhen is going to be a major story in the transfer window this summer. Clearly, his relationship with Napoli has detoriated over the past year, and the club’s disappointing showing after winning Serie A last season will make it a lot more difficult to keep hold of him this time around.

Will Liverpool be in the running for his signature? Well, given the clause reportedly in play, it’s difficult to see the Reds splashing out so much on just one signing, particularly with other areas of the squad to address.

Doubts will remain over Núñez, especially with his finishing, but he has improved on his first season at Liverpool. There will likely be other priorities for Arne Slot and Richard Hughes to address in the summer, which might see Núñez remain the first-choice striker, but he undoubtedly needs to improve again, or else Slot may face a decision over his future.