Report: Victor Osimhen close in on sensational €120m move to PSG as Mbappe replacement

Napoli striker Victor Osimhen (Photo Credit: Imago)

Report: Victor Osimhen close in on sensational €120m move to PSG as Mbappe replacement

Izuchukwu Akawor • Izuchukwu Akawor • 10:39 - 17.07.2024

French giants PSG look set to win the race for Victor Osimhen's signature as the Nigerian closes in on a return to Ligue 1.

French giants Paris Saint-Germain, PSG, have seemingly won the race to sign in-demand Napoli striker Victor Osimhen in a blockbuster €120 million deal as they move to replace Kylian Mbappe.

According to a report by Italian outlet Il Mattino, the Nigerian goal machine is set to fly to the French capital today or tomorrow to put pen to paper on a lucrative contract with the Ligue 1 champions.

Osimhen to replace Mbappe in PSG

Less than 24 hours after club legend and France skipper Mbappe was unveiled by Real Madrid in a lavish presentation, PSG seemed to have acted swiftly to replace him.

Per the report, negotiations between Napoli and their Ligue 1 counterparts have been ongoing for some time for the Nigerian, who has been advised to remain in Naples, but it appears a breakthrough has finally been reached after the respective presidents got involved.

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

Napoli owner Aurelio De Laurentiis had insisted that Osimhen was going nowhere and slapped a hefty clause, which has been a bulwark for Osimhen’s suitors so far in the transfer window.

But Pulse Sports can report that it is understood that PSG supremo Nasser Al-Khelaifi has agreed to meet those demands, without the inclusion of any player exchanges despite initial suggestions the club was willing to offer three players.

Victor Osimhen, the Napoli hitman, helped the Italians end their 33-year wait for Serie A glory.
Victor Osimhen, the Napoli hitman, helped the Italians end their 33-year wait for Serie A glory. || Imago

The 25-year-old Nigeria has shone in Serie A since joining the Italian giants in 2020 from another Ligue 1 side, Lille, and will command a staggering salary of €12 million (£10 million) per year at the Parc des Princes if the transfer is completed.

This latest development looks set to bring an end to Osimhen's four-year spell at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, where he played a decisive role in Napoli's historic Scudetto win two seasons ago.

Kylian Mbappe kisses the Real Madrid badge during his presentation.
Kylian Mbappe kisses the Real Madrid badge during his presentation. (Photo Credit: Real Madrid/x)

The Nigerian striker netted 25 goals to help Napoli end a 33-year wait for the Serie A title but was only able to manage just 17 goals and provided three assists across all competitions as the club struggled to defend their title last season.

The move will undoubtedly come as a major blow to Napoli, who had been desperate to retain the services of their prized asset. However, the astronomical fee on offer appears to have been too good to turn down.

Victor Osimhen helped Napoli win their first Serie A title in 33 years
Victor Osimhen helped Napoli win their first Serie A title in 33 years | Imago

With Kylian Mbappe's future now in Madrid, Osimhen's arrival will provide a huge boost to the French champions' attacking options as they look to reclaim their Ligue 1 crown and mount a serious challenge for the Champions League title next season.