Venezia have intensified their pursuit of Sevilla striker Akor Adams, sending sporting director Filippo Antonelli to Spain for direct talks as the newly promoted Serie A side push to complete what would become the biggest signing in the club’s history.

Antonelli arrived in Seville for scheduled discussions with Sevilla’s hierarchy, continuing weeks of negotiation between the two clubs over the 26 year old Nigerian forward. Adams enjoyed a strong first full season in Spain after arriving from Montpellier in January 2025, scoring 10 goals in 32 appearances across all competitions and finishing as Sevilla’s leading La Liga scorer despite a difficult campaign for the club overall.

Venezia have already lodged an improved bid worth around 12 million euros, but Sevilla are holding out for closer to 15 million, leaving a modest but not insurmountable gap between the two sides. The pursuit has built steadily since late June, when Venezia’s opening offer of under 10 million euros was turned down, with Sevilla initially valuing Adams as high as 20 to 30 million given reported interest from Saudi Arabia and French side Marseille. Adams has publicly downplayed the speculation, insisting his focus remains on Sevilla, even as talks between the clubs continued in the background.

The breakthrough came earlier this month when Venezia reportedly agreed personal terms with Adams on a contract that would run until June 2030, giving the Italian club renewed confidence to push Sevilla toward a deal. Sevilla’s own financial pressures, tied to La Liga’s cost control regulations, appear to have softened their asking price from an initial 25 to 30 million euros down to around 15 million, narrowing the gap considerably. Adams was also given extra time before reporting for Sevilla’s pre-season training, a detail that has only fuelled talk of an imminent exit.

Should Venezia meet Sevilla’s valuation, the transfer would easily eclipse the club’s previous transfer record, more than doubling the club’s two largest previous signings combined. Adams’ route to this point has taken him from Norwegian football with Sogndal and Lillestrom, through Montpellier in France, and now potentially on to Serie A as Venezia look to make a statement in their first season back in Italy’s top flight.