Arsenal 'BREAK IN' for Osimhen

Cameron Smith

1 Aug 2024 16:00 BST
3 min read

Victor Osimhen, Arsenal, 2023/24 — © IMAGO

Arsenal are ready to “break in” to sign Napoli forward Victor Osimhen, according to reports in Italy.

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The Nigeria international is expected to leave Naples this summer amid significant interest from across the globe.

Chelsea have been linked with a move for Osimhen for the past year and the Blues have rekindled their interest in his services following their failure to land Aston Villa’s Jhon Duran and Atletico Madrid’s Samu Omorodion.

However, Arsenal will battle the west London club for his signature, as per Corriere dello Sport.

The Gunners are reportedly long-term admirers of Osimhen and could push to sign him ahead of fellow target Viktor Gyokeres.

Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz are the current number nine options available to Mikel Arteta, but Arsenal are actively looking for a new attacker and could rival Chelsea for Osimhen’s signature this summer.

Paris Saint-Germain are also interested in the Napoli star, but they are only willing to offer a fee of €90m as things stand.

The Parisians may also need to sell either Goncalo Ramos or Randal Kolo Muani before they are able to sign Osimhen, which means a move to the Parc des Princes is currently complicated.

Victor Osimhen swap deal?

In addition, Chelsea have reportedly been informed of Napoli’s new asking price for Osimhen.

Although the Italian giants are hoping for his €130 million release clause to be paid in full, they will accept an offer of €71.1m (£60m) plus Romelu Lukaku, according to 90min.

Osimhen currently has an Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of bang on €71.1m, but the Blues would be forced to include Lukaku - whose ETV stands at €35.2m - in the deal.

The Belgium international spent last season on loan at AS Roma and he is expected to leave Chelsea on a permanent deal this summer.

Lukaku was not included in the Blues’ squad for their pre-season tour of the USA and a move to Napoli is on the cards.