Osimhen’s future turned on its head as PSG seek Alvarez hijack

Robin Bairner

2 Aug 2024 18:48 BST
2 min read

Victor Osimhen, Julian Alvarez, PSG — © IMAGO

PSG are set for a meeting with Manchester City striker Julian Alvarez, suggesting that they have taken a step back from negotiations with Napoli over Victor Osimhen.

Article continues under the video

Looking for a player to replace Kylian Mbappe, the Ligue 1 side have been insistent that they do not need a striker at all costs, yet Luis Enrique’s side continue to flirt with some of the finest in the game.

Personal terms have been agreed with Osimhen over a transfer, though the transfer has been placed in standby mode because terms have not been agreed with Napoli over a transfer fee. PSG are willing to buckle to either of the Serie A side’s demands, which are that either Osimhen’s €130 million release clause is met or Kang-In Lee is included in the deal.

LISTEN NOW: The Transfers Podcast - Ten Hag's fitness test, Man Utd's new midfield, Staveley targets Tottenham & Arteta's City strategy

Now respected Argentine journalist Ariel Senosiain reports that PSG are in talks with the agent of Alvarez in the French capital.

While it is unclear how advanced talks are between the Man City striker and the Ligue 1 champions, it is clear that he is a player they appreciate and could use as a replacement for Mbappe.

PSG face a race against time to sign the 36-capped Argentina star. Atletico Madrid are said to be in “advanced negotiations” with the player, so this appears to be a last-ditch attempt to lure him away from the LaLiga club.

Alvarez, meanwhile, is known to want to leave the Etihad Stadium, having been unable to win significant game time in the No.9 role ahead of Erling Haaland, while Kevin De Bruyne’s return to fitness is likely to see his opportunities limited in a deeper position.

What this means for Osimhen

If PSG pursue a move for Alvarez, it increases the chances of Osimhen winding up in the Premier League, where Chelsea and Arsenal continue to be credited with an interest.

Both clubs are holding out for Napoli reducing their asking price for the player, although the Blues have a trump card to play as Romelu Lukaku is a place the Serie A club want to sign as rapidly as possible.

Financially, Napoli cannot afford to keep Osimhen and his €11m-per-year wages without Champions League football while the player wants to leave this summer, making a transfer inevitable. The question remains: where?