Arsenal and Chelsea could lead the chase for €150 million-rated Napoli striker Victor Osimhen in the summer.
According to RAI via Sport Witness, Victor Osimhen is a huge target for Arsenal and Chelsea in the summer. The London clubs could participate in a transfer battle for the 17-goal Nigerian striker, with many others expected to come into the race.
Last summer, Victor Osimhen was a huge target for some top clubs, but Napoli stood firm and did not entertain any forthcoming offers. Their decision has reaped the rewards as the 17-goal striker has helped Napoli take an incredible 15-point lead at the summit of the Serie A table.
While club president Aurelio De Laurentiis insists he is not for sale, the Napoli supremo could entertain offers close to his €150 million valuations. Manchester United and Chelsea are willing to pay around €120 million for the Nigerian, but that may not suffice.
Football journalist Ciro Venerato insists Arsenal and Chelsea could battle it out in an ‘auction’ next summer, with the London giants expected to fight for Osimhen’s signature.
Ciro Venerato said, “If Osimhen were to then decide to give in to the sirens of the Premier League, an auction would ensue between Arsenal and Chelsea, with figures that could be around €150m.”
“The future of the Nigerian will be decided in June in a summit with his prosecutors. A contractual adjustment will be needed, to which the president is open, even going beyond the parameters of the club.”
Whether a €150 million price materialises remains the question, but the two London sides can pay significantly. Chelsea, are in the market for a shiny new striker to complement an expensively assembled young side.
The Blues ended up spending more than €300 million in the January window, bringing players like Enzo Fernandez, Mykhaylo Mudryk and Benoit Badiashile. They now want to invest significantly in a new striker, with Osimhen’s name on their shortlist.
Meanwhile, Arsenal are not particularly looking for a new frontman considering Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah are good options for Mikel Arteta. Moreover, they have Ligue 1 top scorer Folarin Balogun on loan to Reims. Yet there are links to other strikers, meaning the Gunners could bring a top-rated player if an opportunity comes by.
Osimhen is certainly an opportunity Arsenal will not ignore. Moreover, they may have the upper hand over rivals Chelsea if the Blues fail to qualify for next season’s Champions League. Overall, the race for Osimhen will pick up pace as we approach the summer window, with the striker set for a big move to the Premier League.
