2nd July 2024
According to Italian reports, Premier League giants Arsenal are preparing to make an offer for Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen after Napoli reduced their asking price.
The Gunners, who finished as runners-up in the 2023/24 Premier League season, are now ready to negotiate with the former Serie A champions. Il Matino stated on Monday that Napoli are no longer insisting on the €120 million release clause included in Osimhen’s new contract signed in December 2023.
The 25-year-old forward has no interest in a move to Saudi Arabia, despite lucrative offers from the region. Napoli are keen to sell him this summer and focus on acquiring a new striker. However, completing a deal has proven to be challenging, although Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis is actively working on the sale.
According to the Campania newspaper, Napoli have identified Belgian forward Romelu Lukaku and Ukrainian striker Artem Dovbyk as potential alternatives should Osimhen depart Diego Maradona Stadium this summer.
Napoli to lower Osimhen asking price again
In the ongoing transfer saga, Manchester United have also shown interest in Osimhen and are reportedly considering a player-plus-cash deal involving striker Rasmus Hojlund, who joined the Red Devils last season and impressed in his debut campaign.
Napoli are prepared to cash in on Osimhen despite his crucial role in their recent successes, including the Scudetto-winning 2022/23 campaign. His release clause, initially set between €120m and €130m, has been a sticking point for potential buyers, prompting the club to recently lower their asking price to €100m.
While Chelsea, Manchester United, and Paris Saint-Germain have all been linked with Osimhen, no official bids have been made, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport. Napoli also turned down an offer exceeding €200 million from a Saudi Arabian club last summer.
Osimhen, who was signed from Lille in 2020 for around €75 million, has established himself as one of the most exciting strikers in world football, making him a coveted target for several top European clubs this summer.
