Arsenal open talks with Napoli for Osimhen as striker search intensifies

Victor Osimhen Napoli forward (Photo Credit: Imago)

Arsenal open talks with Napoli for Osimhen as striker search intensifies

Ayoola Kelechi 15:46 - 29.07.2024

Arsenal will be hoping to take advantage of PSG cooling their interest in Victor Osimhen to seal a deal for the Napoli forward

Paris Saint-Germain's pursuit of Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen has hit a snag, allowing Arsenal to make a move for the Nigerian sensation.

Arsenal step up pursuit of Osimhen

According to Corriere dello Sport, Arsenal have recently engaged Napoli in talks about Osimhen's availability hoping to find a deal to bring the Nigerian forward to the Emirates Stadium.

Osimhen did not reach the heights of last year but he still did enough to finish in the top three on 2024 PulseSports30 list
Osimhen did not reach the heights of last year but he still did enough to finish in the top three on 2024 PulseSports30 list Osimhen did not reach the heights of last year but he still did enough to finish in the top three on 2024 PulseSports30 list

Despite Arsenal’s interest in Osimhen, they are also eyeing Sporting CP's Viktor Gyokeres as a potential alternative as they hope to sign a striker before the end of the summer transfer window.

The Gunners will also face competition from London rivals Chelsea, who also see the Super Eagles star as a viable candidate to lead their frontline.

Napoli maintain stance on Osimhen

Napoli remains firm on their valuation of Osimhen, insisting that any interested club must meet the release clause. The Italian club's transfer strategy this summer hinges on selling Osimhen to finance a move for Chelsea's Romelu Lukaku, who is keen on reuniting with coach Antonio Conte.

Victor Osimhen and Antonio Conte in Napoli training. (Photo Credit: Imago)
Victor Osimhen and Antonio Conte in Napoli training. (Photo Credit: Imago) Victor Osimhen and Antonio Conte in Napoli training. (Photo Credit: Imago)

Reports claim that PSG sought to negotiate a discount on Osimhen's hefty €130 million release clause, offering around €90 million but their proposal was swiftly rejected by Napoli's president, Aurelio De Laurentiis.

It remains to be seen whether Napoli will shift ground on Osimhen’s valuation as they grow desperate to seal a deal for his replacement, Lukaku, or if one of the interested clubs will eventually cow to the Partenopei’s demands.