Transfer Talk: Liverpool see Osimhen as Núñez replacement

The summer transfer window won’t reopen in Europe for a while yet, but there are plenty of moves in the works and gossip is swirling around. Transfer Talk brings you all the latest buzz on rumours, comings, goings and, of course, done deals!

TOP STORY: Liverpool to fend off PSG for Napoli’s Osimhen

Paris Saint-Germain are considered favourites to sign Victor Osimhen from Napoli, but Liverpool are interested in replacing the misfiring Darwin Núñez, according to Corriere Dello Sport.

The 25-year-old Nigerian international is one of the most sought-after forwards in world football, and he added to his tally of 14 goals in 22 matches for the 2023-24 season with a penalty against Roma last weekend. Now, with a few weeks remaining in the Serie A season, the race is on to see which team wins his signature.

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PSG are said to have already offered €90m upfront with a further €40m to follow with Osimhen available for €130m. However, Liverpool could be facing the prospect of losing Mohamed Salah this summer, along with manager Jurgen Klopp, who said he’d step down at the end of the season.

With Nunez faltering in the final weeks of the season, Osimhen is poised to be considered an important — and marquee — signing to complement the arrival of new boss Arne Slot from Feyenoord.

Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea are all said to be keen on Osimhen too, but Man United could struggle given their lack of Champions League involvement next season, while Chelsea are unlikely to meet Napoli’s demands as a result of their ongoing financial problems. Arsenal have other targets on their transfer list.

PAPER GOSSIP

– Midfielder Toni Kroos is yet to renew his contract at Real Madrid beyond the end of this season and Juventus are keeping an eye it in case they can sign him, according to Tuttosport. Kroos, 34, was at his best once again with an assist in the draw with Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Tuesday night but the ongoing uncertainty over his future has caught the attention of other European clubs. The problem facing Juventus is the Kroos’ salary, which is around €10m a season, which over two seasons could cost Juve over €20m over two seasons.

– Barcelona are said to be prioritising the signing of Manchester City‘s creative midfielder Bernardo Silva, according to Sport. Barca manager Xavi Hernandez held discussions with the 29-year-old last summer and it’s widely known that he is also keen on a move to the Nou Camp. Manchester City would consider parting with him for £50m, and a move to Barca would see Silva reunited with former City teammate Ilkay Gündogan, who joined the Catalan club last summer.

– Manchester United are looking to secure a permanent exit for striker Mason Greenwood this summer, according to Rudy Galetti. Some members of the United board are keen for the 22-year-old striker to return, but co-owner Jim Ratcliffe is looking to clear house, which would include the exits of Greenwood, Jadon Sancho and potentially Marcus Rashford.

– Barcelona are looking to take up the permanent option to sign striker Pau Victor, who is on loan from Girona. According to Mundo Deportivo, Barca are looking to sign the 22-year-old for €3m, a deal that was put in place when he joined on loan last summer. Victor has been a revelation for Barcelona B, impressing coach Rafa Marquez with 17 goals in 15 games. His nearest rival in the goal-scoring charts is Azkune, from Real Sociedad B, who is five goals behind. Barca officials are just looking into how Victor’s salary can be incorporated into the budget for 2024-25.

– Arsenal are said to be on the lookout for a new striker this summer, but Gabriel Jesus is prepared to fight for his place, according to the Sun. The 27-year-old Brazilian striker has had a mixed season, scoring just four goals in 24 appearances, falling behind Kai Havertz on the depth chart in recent weeks. As a result, the Gunners have been linked with a host of potential strikers, including Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres, Napoli‘s Victor Osimhen and Newcastle United‘s Alexander Isak. Gunners manager Mikel Arteta remains a fan of Jesus, however, particularly for his leadership skills. Gabriel is settled in London and keen to stay in north London.