Victor Osimhen has submitted a transfer request as he seeks to leave Napoli before the summer transfer window closes.
The Nigerian forward was crucial to Napoli’s Serie A triumph in the 2022-23 season, but his future at the club has been the subject of considerable speculation since last summer.
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Though Osimhen has participated in training with Napoli throughout the summer, he has not appeared in any pre-season matches, with new head coach Antonio Conte keen to bring in Romelu Lukaku as his replacement.
Napoli are willing to let Osimhen go this summer, but club president Aurelio de Laurentiis is holding out for a team to activate the striker’s €130m (£110.8m) release clause.
Paris Saint-Germain were initially leading the race for his signature, but despite extensive negotiations with the player’s representatives, they were not prepared to meet the asking price and will instead continue with their current options, Goncalo Ramos and Randal Kolo Muani.
Reports from Italy suggest that both Chelsea and Arsenal have renewed their interest in the striker, with Napoli sporting director Giovanni Manna confirming that Osimhen is now actively seeking to leave the club.
Ahead of Napoli’s opening match of the season against Modena in the Coppa Italia, Manna stated: “Victor Osimhen has asked to leave the club. He wants to go.
“The situation is clear; there were already opportunities for his departure last summer. Victor wants to leave. We will see in the next 20 days.”
Arsenal are still looking to add a new striker this summer after missing out on Benjamin Sesko, who chose to extend his contract at RB Leipzig.
Mikel Arteta’s team were also keen to sign Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak but were priced out of a move for the Swedish international.
Gianluca di Marzio reports that Arsenal remains very interested in Osimhen following recent developments at Napoli.
Chelsea, who have long been interested in Osimhen, have already spent £200 million this summer, with Pedro Neto set to be announced by the club.