Report: Liverpool now leading race to sign £154m player, they already have a meeting planned

Liverpool are reportedly leading the race to sign Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, with interest at an all-time high for the Nigerian international.

According to Gazzette dello Sport, Jurgen Klopp’s side are in pole position for the 24-year-old as Liverpool continue to eye the Serie A superstar, with the news coming after journalist Sacha Tavolleri reported that the Reds have a meeting planned with Osimhen.

With 31 goals in all competitions last season, Osimhen is one of Europe’s most in-demand strikers after leading Napoli to their first Scudetto this century. Yet as a result, club president Aurelio De Laurentiis has now increased the attacker’s asking price to an astonishing €180m (£154m).

As per the report, though, this figure hasn’t put off the likes of Manchester United, Newcastle United and PSG from chasing Osimhen, yet it’s Liverpool who incredibly lead the race, with the forward line an area few supporters would predict the Reds to invest in this summer.

Indeed, even with Roberto Firmino leaving as a free agent, Liverpool boasts some of the best attacking options in all of Europe. Yet this latest update surrounding Osimhen could suggest that something is in the works behind the scenes at Anfield.

Liverpool signing Osimhen would be as sensational as it is confusing

Osimhen is clearly one of the best strikers in world football, with the 24-year-old the leading scorer in Serie A last year and a key reason behind Napoli’s historic title win. However, even the biggest of Liverpool fans will admit that a move for the Nigerian makes little sense.

As we know, Cody Gakpo, Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota can all play striker for Liverpool, and whilst all three aren’t in that world-class bracket Osimhen finds himself in, the trio are excellent options for what Klopp wants from his side in the upcoming season.