Venezia have stepped up their efforts to sign Nigerian and Sevilla striker Akor Adams, who could be heading to Italy in the coming days, Soccernet.ng reports.
The Serie A newcomers sent sporting director Filippo Antonelli to Spain for face-to-face talks with Sevilla over a deal for Adams, according to transfer insider Gianluca di Marzio. If the deal is sealed it could become the biggest transfer in the Italian club's history.
Antonelli arrived in Seville on Thursday morning for scheduled discussions with Sevilla's management as Venezia try to reach an agreement for the 26-year-old Super Eagles striker. The meeting comes after weeks of negotiations between both clubs and shows that the newly promoted Serie A side are determined to land their top transfer target before the new season begins.
Adams joined Sevilla from French club Montpellier in January 2025 and enjoyed a strong first full campaign in Spain. During the 2025-26 season, he made 32 appearances in all competitions and scored 10 goals, finishing as Sevilla's leading scorer in La Liga despite the club's difficult campaign.
Venezia have already submitted an improved offer worth €12 million, but Sevilla are still holding out for around €15 million. While the gap between both clubs has become smaller, negotiations remain ongoing, and neither side has yet reached a final agreement.
The transfer has gathered momentum throughout the summer. Venezia first made enquiries in late June before submitting an opening bid worth less than €10 million. That proposal was quickly rejected as Sevilla initially valued the former Montpellier forward between €20 million and €30 million because of interest from other clubs, including teams from the Saudi Pro League and French side Marseille.
Adams publicly played down the rumours by insisting that his attention remained on Sevilla. However, behind the scenes, discussions continued as Venezia refused to abandon their pursuit of the powerful striker.
Adams: Venezia closing in on club-record signing
The biggest breakthrough came at the start of July when Venezia reportedly reached an agreement on personal terms with Adams. The proposed contract would keep the Nigerian at the club until June 2030, giving Venezia confidence to return to Sevilla with an improved financial package.
Sevilla's position also changed in recent days. The Spanish club are under pressure to improve their finances and comply with La Liga's strict financial regulations. As a result, they reduced their asking price from an earlier valuation of between €25 million and €30 million to approximately €15 million, bringing the two clubs much closer to an agreement.
Adams was also given extra time before reporting for Sevilla's pre-season preparations, further increasing speculation that his future may lie away from the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán Stadium.
Although Venezia have explored alternative striker options in case negotiations collapse, Adams remains their number one target.
If Venezia agree to Sevilla's €15 million valuation, the transfer would rewrite the club's record books. Their current most expensive signing remains American midfielder Gianluca Busio, who joined from Sporting Kansas City for around €6 million in 2021. Thomas Henry follows at €5.5 million, while Tanner Tessmann arrived for €3.64 million during the same summer.
A move worth between €12 million and €15 million for Adams would easily surpass every previous transfer in Venezia's history, costing more than the club's two biggest historical signings combined. It would also demonstrate the club's ambition to compete in Serie A after securing promotion.
Adams himself has built an impressive career across Europe. After beginning in Norway with Sogndal and later Lillestrøm, he earned a move to Montpellier in France before joining Sevilla in January 2025. Another major career step could be approaching as Venezia push to complete one of the biggest transfers of the Italian summer window.
