Newcastle United have reportedly turned their attention towards Napoli’s €70 million-rated strike Victor Osimhen after failing to land Dusan Vlahovic.
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Newcastle United are plotting an ambitious move for Napoli’s attacking powerhouse Victor Osimhen as they aim to bolster their attacking ranks during the January transfer window.
The Magpies are proactive in the market for new players in their bid for Premier League survival; the Tyneside outfit have experienced mixed results when it comes to acquiring desired targets. Despite being linked with so many players this month, they have only managed to add striker Chris Wood and Kieran Trippier to their roster to date.
The Magpies reportedly eyed a late swoop for Fiorentina hitman Dusan Vlahovic, but the Serbian sensation now looks set to join Juventus. Newcastle have been heavily linked with Atalanta striker Duvan Zapata. However, another alternative with similar attributes and a much younger profile is Napoli’s goal-machine Victor Osimhen, who has emerged as their latest high-profile transfer target.
The 23-year-old first burst onto the scene at LOSC Lille after enjoying a productive 2019/20 season as he scored 18 goals and grabbed six assists in 38 appearances for the French outfit in all competitions. Despite heavy interest from Europe’s elite, Osimhen left Lille for Napoli in 2020 for a reported €75 million fee.
Since then, he has established himself as one of the most lethal strikers in Italy, with his stock always on the rise. The Nigerian international finished his debut season in Serie A on a high note with 10 goals and four assists from 24 games and has started this campaign in red-hot scoring form, managing nine goals and two assists in 14 matches before a serious eye socket injury obstructed his season.
Osimhen has since recovered to make brief cameos in the last two Serie A games for the Partenopei. He could not participate in the Africa Cup of Nations after testing positive for COVID-19. The Nigerian striker has also starred on the international circuit and has registered ten goals for his country.
Indeed, the Napoli ace is one of the most highly coveted young strikers in Europe. Liverpool, Bayern Munich, and Manchester City are some of the elite clubs monitoring him and keen to secure his services. Now, cash-rich Newcastle are preparing to spend big on the Nigerian star.
The acquisition of Chris Wood from Burnley was a masterstroke as it weakened one of their main relegation rivals. While the New Zealand international has commanding aerial ability and is an admirable target man, he alone might not be enough to get them much-needed goals to drag Newcastle over the line in their relegation battle.
Signing someone of Osimhen’s quality would be a serious statement of intent from Newcastle’s new owners. He is a tremendously athletic, fast, and powerful striker with a lightning-quick turn of pace when he kicks into gear over long distances. His well-timed runs in behind, hold-up play and aerial ability could be menacing for opposing defences. Most importantly, he is a potent goal-threat with a powerful strike in his boots.
As it stands, Napoli would be very unlikely to sell their star striker this month but will consider offers above their €70 million valuation. Whether Newcastle break the bank for 23-year-old striking sensation remains to be seen.
