Arsenal Eyes Nigerian Striker Victor Osimhen as Napoli Cuts Asking Price
Italian reports indicate that Arsenal is gearing up to make a move for Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen, following a reduction in Napoli’s asking price. The Premier League runners-up for the 2023/24 season are reportedly set to engage in negotiations with the former Serie A champions, according to Il Matino’s Monday publication.
Napoli had previously set a hefty €120 million release clause in Osimhen’s contract, signed in December 2023. However, recent developments suggest that Napoli is now willing to negotiate below this figure. The 25-year-old forward, despite receiving lucrative offers from Saudi Arabia, has expressed no interest in a move to the region.
Napoli is keen on selling Osimhen this summer to focus on acquiring a new striker, with President Aurelio De Laurentiis actively pursuing the sale. Should Osimhen depart Diego Maradona Stadium, Napoli has reportedly earmarked Belgian forward Romelu Lukaku and Ukrainian striker Artem Dovbyk as potential replacements, as reported by the Campania newspaper.
In the midst of this transfer saga, Manchester United has also shown interest in Osimhen, reportedly considering a player-plus-cash deal involving striker Rasmus Hojlund, who impressed in his debut season after joining last year.
Despite Osimhen’s crucial role in Napoli’s recent successes, including their 2022/23 Scudetto-winning campaign, his high release clause has been a deterrent for potential buyers. Napoli recently lowered their asking price to €100 million in hopes of facilitating a transfer. While clubs like Chelsea, Manchester United, and Paris Saint-Germain have been linked with Osimhen, no official bids have yet been tabled, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport.
Osimhen, who arrived from Lille in 2020 for approximately €75 million, has established himself as one of the most promising strikers globally, attracting attention from top European clubs in the current transfer window.
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