Chelsea and Arsenal face a significant setback in their pursuit of a new striker as Victor Osimhen is poised to extend his contract with Napoli.
Following transfer expert Fabrizio Romano’s revelation that Napoli’s new contract for Victor Osimhen would incorporate a £112m (€130m) release clause, the report indicates that Arsenal and Chelsea will be left with little choice but to meet this amount if they intend to secure the services of the 24-year-old.
The Nigerian striker had an outstanding season with Napoli, featuring in 32 Serie A matches and scoring 26 goals, earning him the Golden Boot and contributing to the club’s Scudetto win after over 30 years.
We're now on WhatsApp. Click here to join.
Osimhen has been a subject of interest for several top European clubs, with both London clubs, Chelsea and Arsenal, consistently linked to the player, along with Brentford striker Ivan Toney.
Read Also: Manchester United’s European Dreams Shattered: Erik ten Hag Expresses No Regrets”
Despite Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis discussing a potential new deal between Osimhen and the club, reports persist about the Blues and the Gunners preparing bids for the talented forward.
The prolific Nigerian striker, having netted six goals in 11 Serie A matches this season, is set to be rewarded for his stellar performance, becoming a crucial asset at just 24 years old.
His pivotal role in Napoli’s title-winning campaign last season has further solidified his standing in the team.
Victor Osimhen, who clinched the 2023 CAF African Football Player of the Year award earlier this week, fondly describes the achievement as a realization of a childhood dream that originated from humble beginnings.
The recognition from CAF not only honors Osimhen but also inspires aspiring footballers across the continent, demonstrating that with hard work and determination, dreams born in modest beginnings can indeed materialize into remarkable achievements.
Despite both Arsenal and Chelsea actively seeking a striker, with Chelsea expressing interest in a January move for Osimhen, the player seems committed to Napoli.
Osimhen, who joined Napoli in 2020 for a club-record fee of £69.5 million from Lille, boasts an impressive track record of 66 goals in 116 appearances for the Italian side.
Despite the Gunners’ strong start to the season, Eddie Nketiah’s unproven goal-scoring record may prompt Arteta to seek reinforcements for Arsenal.
Osimhen could potentially play a pivotal role in Arteta’s side, given the team’s swift and dynamic attacking style, potentially contributing to their title-winning aspirations.
On the other hand, Chelsea, currently positioned in the bottom half of the Premier League table, might find Osimhen’s addition crucial for their revival.
The recent acquisition of Nicolas Jackson has turned out to be an unfortunate experiment for the Blues.
However, with Christopher Nkunku’s imminent return, Todd Boehly might opt to wait before investing in the Napoli striker.
Also Read This: Victor Osimhen in Contention for Top Honors in 2023 IFFHS Best Player Award
