The contract negotiations between Victor Osimhen and Napoli have hit a roadblock, which has put Liverpool and Chelsea on high alert due to their interest in the player. Osimhen’s current contract with Napoli is set to expire in 2025, and with the strong performances he delivered, helping Napoli win their first Serie A championship in decades with 26 goals in 32 appearances, he has become a target for Premier League clubs.
Both Liverpool and Chelsea have shown interest in signing the 24-year-old striker. During the international break, Liverpool sent scouts to watch Osimhen in action, and Chelsea has also been linked with a potential move. Meanwhile, discussions between Osimhen and Napoli regarding a new contract have come to a standstill.
There appears to be a significant gap in salary expectations between Osimhen and Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis. Osimhen reportedly seeks an increase in his annual salary from €4.5 million to €9 million. Additionally, there is a disagreement regarding the inclusion of a release clause, with Osimhen preferring a lower fee while De Laurentiis wants to set it at €200 million.
The tension in negotiations between Osimhen and De Laurentiis has led to what is described as a “great frost” between the two parties. De Laurentiis has expressed his willingness to sell Osimhen if an agreement on a new contract is not reached.
Liverpool has been particularly proactive in pursuing Osimhen, with reports suggesting they have established direct contacts with the player. However, Napoli’s sporting director, Mauro Meluso, has indicated that the club will not be selling any of its top players during the January transfer window, which may delay any potential transfer until the end of the season.
Meluso has stated that the squad is large, and there is no intention to let key players leave in January. This means that Liverpool and Chelsea might have to wait until the summer to make their moves for Osimhen, as Napoli appears determined to retain their star player.
