Napoli have rejected Liverpool’s opening bid for Victor Osimhen as Galatasaray coach Okan Buruk personally telephoned the Nigerian striker in a desperate attempt to convince him to return to Turkey.

The Serie A champions turned down Liverpool’s initial proposal of an “equal exchange” involving Federico Chiesa and Darwin Nunez for the 26-year-old striker, according to Valter De Maggio.

Liverpool’s pursuit of Osimhen has gathered serious momentum as manager Arne Slot looks to add a marquee striker to his squad following their Premier League title triumph. The Reds won the championship by 10 clear points in the Dutchman’s first season at Anfield.

Despite already spending over £190m this summer on five new signings – with Milos Kerkez on the cusp of being announced as their latest addition to join Giorgi Mamardashvili, Jeremie Frimpong, Armin Pecsi and Florian Wirtz – Liverpool remain determined to secure their priority target.

The Merseyside club value Nunez at €60m and Chiesa at €20m, believing this represents fair value for Osimhen, who has a €75m release clause. However, Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis is demanding both players plus an additional €20m cash adjustment.

“There is a market twinning between Naples and Liverpool. The English club wants Osimhen and Napoli, from this point of view, does not make discounts on the clause, so it asks for the €75 million as per the contract,” De Maggio told Radio Goal, via Area Napoli.

“Liverpool would have opened to Napoli, proposing an equal exchange between the players involved in this operation. (Napoli president) Aurelio De Laurentiis, however, has other ideas and from that ear, he doesn’t hear us: the president of the blue club asks for Chiesa, Nunez and €20 million for the Osimhen card.”

The disagreement stems from Napoli’s belief that Nunez should command a lower transfer fee than Liverpool’s €60m valuation.

Talks are expected to continue between the clubs, with any potential deal likely to be structured as three separate transactions should negotiations progress.

Meanwhile, Galatasaray are mounting their own charm offensive to retain Osimhen following his spectacular loan spell in Istanbul. Coach Buruk telephoned the striker personally, outlining the club’s ambitions and telling him that joining the Super Lig champions would be “the best decision of his career,” according to Fanatik.

Osimhen was instrumental in Galatasaray’s domestic double last season, scoring 37 goals and providing eight assists in 41 appearances across all competitions.

The Turkish giants face stiff competition for Osimhen’s signature, with Al Hilal preparing a staggering €160m three-year package that would see the striker earn over €40m per season. Coach Simone Inzaghi has reportedly contacted Osimhen as well, insisting the Saudi club represents his best destination.

Juventus have also emerged as contenders, though they would face a higher fee as Osimhen’s €75m release clause only applies to foreign clubs, allowing Napoli to demand more from Serie A rivals.

Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal have all been linked with the Nigeria international, who appears determined to assess all options before making his decision.