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By: Peter Akinbo.
English Premier League giants Liverpool have joined the race for Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
The 24-year-old is one of the most coveted players in world football after scoring 31 goals in 39 games to help Napoli to the Serie A title for the first time in over three decades, as well as finishing as league top scorer.
Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea are also reportedly interested in the Nigerian.
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, the Reds are now prepared to battle these teams to sign the striker, with offers expected “in the coming days” amid a potential bidding war.
However, Napoli chairman Aurelio De Laurentiis’ valuation of Osimhen more than £150m could prove prohibitive.
The Nigeria international joined Napoli from Lille in summer 2020 for €70m and has scored 59 goals in 101 appearances in all competitions since then.
He also enjoyed a fantastic campaign last term as they secured their first Scudetto since 1990 under Luciano Spalletti’s leadership.
Liverpool are said to be keen based on his undoubted technical qualities and strength in the air, as well as his ability to fit into manager Jurgen Klopp’s aggressive high-pressing and at times direct style of play.
Gazzetta added that Klopp was eyeing up the 25-cap Nigeria international based on the struggles of Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo on Merseyside.
Nunez, the club’s record signing at £85m last summer, scored just nine league goals, while Gakpo, who scored seven goals in 26 appearances in all competitions, is not a natural striker.
It is unclear whether he would be willing to give up Champions League football at Napoli for a Europa League campaign at Anfield.
Osimhen’s agent Roberto Calenda is said to have an ‘open dialogue’ with De Laurentiis, who wants to tie the hotshot down to a new contract.
United, who are looking for a new striker this summer, are interested in him as well as Tottenham striker Harry Kane and Atalanta’s Rasmus Hojlund.