- 9 hours ago
Osimhen held 'HOSTAGE' as club ‘comes back to life’ in transfer race to save Napoli ace from Saudi
Robin Bairner
- 10 Jul 2024 11:00 BST
- 3 min read
Napoli striker Victor Osimhen continues to face an uncertain future, with nothing decided in the transfer market over the Nigeria forward, who are report claims is being held “hostage” to the Serie A club.
Arsenal and Chelsea have been closely linked with the 25-year-old, with both Premier League clubs aiming to land a striker in the transfer window.
A switch to the Saudi Pro League, meanwhile, has looked the likeliest destination for the striker – at least until a report in Correire dello Sport revealed that PSG have “come back to life” in the race for the hitman.
Current ETV
Victor Osimhen
F (C)
Napoli
Victor Osimhen
F (C)
Napoli
ETV Range
€53.3M - €88.9M
Osimhen to move ‘home’?
The Italian paper describes Osimhen’s situation as being as “hostage” to Napoli, who are seeking €130 million – the full value of the player’s release clause – to make a sale.
While there have been reports that Antonio Conte’s side are starting to waver over this demand and may reduce their asking price to €100m, the interested Saudi clubs are willing to pay the full release fee in Osimhen’s deal, putting pressure on PSG to match that figure.
Arsenal and Chelsea do not appear willing to budge at such a fee, despite Osimhen’s dream to play in the Premier League.
For his part, the Nigeria international “does not seem to like” the prospect of moving to Saudi, where Al-Ahli are “desperate” to sign him. This is despite the riches on offer.
PSG appears to be more of a realistic prospect. Head coach Luis Enrique is said to “respect” him, while sporting director Luis Campos, who signed him at Lille, “adores” the player.
Furthermore, Osimhen would have a guaranteed starting place ahead of Goncalo Ramos and Randal Kolo Muani, assuming PSG retain the France striker.
Perhaps crucially, Osimhen is said to be “almost at home” in Paris, which is one of his favourite places to spend time off.
PSG may be active and arguably even in pole position, yet a bid from Arsenal or Chelsea could yet change all that.
