Real Betis consider Chukwueze as an alternative to Antony as Liverpool eye Osimhen

Real Betis are in the market for a new winger this summer, and while re-signing Antony is their priority, it may not happen if Manchester United do not lower their demands for the player who was on loan at the Benito Villamarin during the second half of last season. And as a result, alternatives, including Super Eagles forward Samuel Chukwueze, are being considered by those in Los Verdiblancos’ sporting department.

It is no secret that Betis want to bring Antony back to the club during this summer’s transfer window, but it is far from certain that a new deal with Man United will come to fruition. And one of the reasons for this is the emergence of other sides that wish to sign the Brazilian winger, such as Bayer Leverkusen.

This uncertainty has led Betis to consider other options in the event of a new deal for Antony failing to come off. And according to Diario AS, one player on their radar is former Villarreal man Chukwueze.

Chukwueze, who left Villarreal in 2023, has struggled to command a regular starting spot during his time at Milan. The Rossoneri are open to a deal due to wanting to raise funds that can be reinvested in their squad, which gives hope to Betis that this can be done if Antony cannot be brought back.

Chukwueze is keen to play a starring role at his next club, and Betis would allow this to be the case. Manuel Pellegrini needs a new winger to compete with Ez Abde and Jesus Rodriguez, especially with Europa League football being on the agenda for next season.

It remains to be seen who Betis end up signing this summer. Antony would certainly be the dream, but in terms of alternatives, Chukwueze would be very solid.

Elsewhere, Liverpool are scouring the market for further big-name arrivals and Napoli star Victor Osimhen's name cropped up in a high-ranking transfer meeting at Anfield, even though Galatasaray remains his most likely destination ahead of the summer window reopening for business next week, GMS sources have revealed.

The Reds have edged closer to completing the acquisition of Florian Wirtz, having verbally agreed a deal in principle worth up to £ 128 million with Bayer Leverkusen, and he is set to undergo a medical after already making it clear that he wants to embark on a fresh challenge with the reigning Premier League champions.

Jeremie Frimpong has already joined Liverpool from the Bundesliga heavyweights, thanks to triggering the £ 29.5 million release clause written into his contract, but Slot is determined to continue making early additions to his squad as preparations are made for a title defence on Merseyside.

Osimhen's name was mentioned as a potential target during a high-ranking meeting at Liverpool last week, according to GMS sources, but there remains a slim chance of him ending up in the Premier League as his camp has conceded that Turkish side Galatasaray are expected to win the race for his signature.

The marksman is still on the market after he rejected a contract offer worth an initial £650,000-per-week from Saudi Pro League big-spenders Al-Hilal when they were desperate to secure his services ahead of competing at the Club World Cup, leading to there being uncertainty over where he will be playing his trade next term.

GMS sources have been informed that Osimhen's name has cropped up since Liverpool have turned their attentions towards recruiting a proven goalscorer, but his wage demands would be a significant stumbling block, and Galatasaray are attempting to tie up a deal after he enjoyed a prolific loan spell with them during the 2024/25 campaign.

Although the Nigerian international has been described as 'one of the best strikers of this century', it is increasingly likely that he will not be featuring in the Premier League by the time next season gets underway, even though several sides are seeking a fresh attacking option.

But the prospect of Osimhen heading to England cannot be discounted as GMS sources have learned that Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal have joined Liverpool in aiming to upgrade their current centre forward options as preparations are made for the upcoming summer transfer window.

GMS sources have been told that Osimhen may consider dropping his salary expectations - reported to be up to £400,000-a-week previously - if he wants to test himself at the very top after turning down the riches on offer in Saudi Arabia, leading to Liverpool and other admirers keeping tabs on his situation as he prepares to make a permanent exit from Napoli.

Al-Hilal agreed to activate the 26-year-old's £ 64 million release clause earlier this month, with there being a determination to integrate him into their squad before competing at the fast-approaching Club World Cup, but he ultimately decided that he did not want to relocate to the Middle East at this stage of his career.

Osimhen's future is still up in the air after the initial 10-day transfer window slammed shut on Tuesday, GMS sources understand, and Liverpool executives have brought him up as a possible signing as Slot goes in search of a frontman who would leapfrog the likes of Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota in the pecking order.