- 14 hours ago
Napoli give Osimhen transfer hope with ‘best solution’ message
Robin Bairner
- Updated: 19 Aug 2024 08:35 BST
- 3 min read
Victor Osimhen has been told that Napoli will do everything they can to find the “best solution” for him before the end of the transfer window.
The 25-year-old Nigeria international striker is being chased primarily by Chelsea and PSG, but Arsenal also hold an interest in the forward.
Napoli’s €130 million asking price – a fee that matches the value of his release clause – for the hitman has prevented any club from striking a deal so far, despite the Ligue 1 outfit having agreed personal terms with the club.
In the meantime, Osimhen is unavailable for Napoli, who made a worrying start to the Serie A season on Sunday as they were the victims of a 3-0 loss against Verona. Antonio Conte’s side conceded three times in the second half in that encounter.
READ MORE: Victor Osimhen expects to join PSG over Chelsea
Current ETV
Victor Osimhen
F (C)
Napoli
Victor Osimhen
F (C)
Napoli
ETV Range
€53.3M - €88.9M
Osimhen situation ‘blocked’
After the fixture, sporting director Giovanni Manna hinted that the Serie A side are still working with the idea that Osimhen could be sold to Chelsea, PSG or Arsenal, but confessed the situation is difficult at present.
“It’s an objective fact, what the coach said, the situation is blocked,” he said.
“Victor is an important player, with an important value and conditions. His desire is clear.
“We tried to maintain the integrity of the squad at this moment. We are not the only club in this situation and we’ll see what happens over the next ten days.
“At this time, it is not right to say what sensations there are. We are working with his entourage to find the best solution. As we said, he is an important player, so it’s not that we can just sell him anywhere. He is under contract for another two seasons, so clearly if we don’t find a solution by August 30, we’ll have to talk to the player.”
Osimhen, though, commands a salary in the region of €11m per year, which Napoli cannot afford in their current state. As such, it is in their interest to move him on. However, their lavish demands have proven too much.
With the striker’s exit stalling, it is also holding up a number of other transfers, with Conte lamenting after the Verona loss that three or four deals are waiting to get done – including a move for Romelu Lukaku from Chelsea.
