Manchester United and Arsenal have been dealt a severe blow in their pursuit of Victor Osimhen, as Napoli do not intend to sell their striker.
If TEAMtalk is to be believed, Victor Osimhen may stay put at Napoli beyond the summer window as the Italian club’s president Aurelio De Laurentiis has no intention of selling him, even for a transfer fee of £100 million. Arsenal and Manchester United’s hopes have since dented, as both clubs were in the chase for the Nigerian forward.
Victor Osimhen has seen his stock rise exponentially over the last two seasons as the Nigerian continues to improve for Napoli. He has managed 16 goals and five assists in 26 appearances across all competitions for the club, which puts him in the bracket of some elite strikers in world football.
Napoli paid around £60 million two years ago to sign Osimhen, and so far, he has proved his worth at the club. Since the end of January, speculation has been rife over a move away from the Serie A side. Premier League clubs have been at the forefront of the interest in the striker, although it will be complex from here on.
Considering the investment Napoli have made, they were reported to have demanded more than £100 million for the forward. However, as per the aforementioned report, the Partenopei do not wish to sell their ace goalscorer this summer. It is also claimed that they would be reluctant to a deal even at the £100 million price tag.
This development comes as a major blow for both Manchester United and Arsenal, who were seeking to sign the Nigerian international to bolster their frontline.
Manchester United wanted Osimhen to replace Cristiano Ronaldo, whose future at Old Trafford has become uncertain with the club staring at the possibility of missing out on Champions League football next season.
On the other hand, Arsenal are in dire need of a new centre-forward. The Gunners have faced plenty of problems and criticism over their striker situation as Mikel Arteta eyes fresh reinforcements in the position. They are linked with several names, such as Benfica’s Darwin Nunez and Osimhen.
Considering the price tag hanging over Osimhen’s head, it was always going to be unlikely that Arsenal would pay up such a massive fee to secure the Nigerian. And with Napoli now taking a stance to not sell Osimhen, they will have to focus on alternatives ahead of the new season.
As for Osimhen, the best outcome may be to remain at Napoli and continue his development under Luciano Spalletti. The potential £100 million price tag may put off suitors from making an approach, which may benefit the Italian side for next season.
