Surprise Osimhen TWIST after €200m PSG bid

Cameron Smith

12 Jul 2024 07:45 BST
3 min read

Victor Osimhen, Napoli, 2023/24 — © IMAGO

Victor Osimhen could end up staying at Napoli despite months of transfer speculation, according to surprising reports in Italy.

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The 25-year-old has been heavily linked with a summer exit, but the Serie A club are demanding that his €130 million release clause is paid in full.

Arsenal and Chelsea have both been monitoring Osimhen’s situation for several months as they pursue a new striker, however both London clubs have been put off a deal due to Napoli’s eye-watering asking price.

Paris Saint-Germain are also interested in signing the Nigeria international and Corriere dello Sport have reported that a €200m combined bid for Osimhen and Khicha Kvarastskhelia has been lodged by the French giants.

This is set to be rejected by Napoli, with the Italian side eager to retain their two best players unless an unrefusable offer is submitted.

The only other option for Osimhen appears to be the Saudi Pro League, with multiple clubs holding “concrete” interest in the forward.

However, Gianluca Di Marzio, via CalcioNapoli24, has revealed that Osimhen could end up staying at Napoli.

The Nigerian has reportedly impressed in pre-season training and the possibility of Osimhen staying hasn’t been ruled out.

It will be up to Antonio Conte and the first-team squad to convince Osimhen that another season at Napoli could be the best outcome for everyone.

Romelu Lukaku impacted?

Osimhen staying at Napoli could impact Chelsea forward Romelu Lukaku, who is widely expected to join the Serie A club this summer, largely due to the fact that Conte is now in charge.

The Belgium international has spent the past two seasons on loan in Italy - at Inter Milan and AS Roma - and he is set to leave Stamford Bridge on a permanent deal before the start of the 2024-25 campaign.

Lukaku has two years left on his current contract at Chelsea and the club are reportedly desperate to offload him.