Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen, who has been in sensational form for Napoli for the past two seasons, reportedly favours a move to Arsenal.
However, the Gunners’ recent shift in focus towards signing a winger, instead of a striker, could throw a wrench in the works. With a hefty €130m release clause and competition from Chelsea, Arsenal will need to act decisively if they want to secure the in-demand striker’s signature.
Napoli’s Victor Osimhen celebrates after scoring the team’s second goal during the UEFA Champions League Group C football match Napoli vs Sporting Braga at the Diego Armando Maradona stadium in Naples on December 12, 2023. (Photo by ALBERTO PIZZOLI/AFP via Getty Images)
Speaking on Radio Kiss Kiss Napoli, Italian journalist Valter De Maggio claimed that Victor Osimhen‘s preference is a move to Arsenal over other contenders, and if the Gunners don’t come calling, he may consider a move to the Middle East.
“Osimhen wants the Premier League, if the offer doesn’t come then he would consider the Arab one. There is no club paying the clause today, Osimhen would like Arsenal otherwise he would consider Saudi Arabia,” De Maggio stated.
The “clause” refers to the €130m release clause that Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has set for the Nigerian striker, with no willingness for negotiation.
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NAPLES, ITALY: Victor Osimhen of SSC Napoli during the UEFA Champions League match between SCC Napoli and SC Braga at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on December 12, 2023. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
Osimhen‘s preference for the Premier League has been circulating for some time, with Arsenal and Chelsea named as potential suitors, but it’s hard to think of a big club that hasn’t been linked with a move for the 25-year-old who scored 17 goals this season and 31 last. However, recent reports indicate a shift in Arsenal‘s transfer priorities, with the Gunners now focusing on securing a new winger, potentially influenced by Kai Havertz‘s recent performances.
This change in focus could present a hurdle in any potential move for Osimhen, as Arsenal may not be willing to meet Napoli‘s hefty asking price. Whether Arsenal‘s interest in Osimhen will be rekindled or if the striker will consider other options (he seems to like Chelsea, too), including a move to Saudi Arabia, remains to be seen.
