Arsenal are unlikely to trigger the massive release clause to sign Victor Osimhen amid links with the Napoli striker in recent weeks.
According to Calcio Napoli 24, Arsenal are not ready to trigger a €130 million release clause to sign Victor Osimhen despite links with a move for the Napoli striker. Aurelio De Laurentiis is unlikely to accept a fee lower than the exit terms, although the Gunners are keen on a younger striker as an understudy to Kai Havertz.
Arsenal will not trigger Victor Osimhen’s clause
Arsenal are in the market for a new striker, but there is a clarity on the profile of the player they are seeking. For months now, it was considered Mikel Arteta will want to bring a top-draw No.9 to improve his attack amid links to Ivan Toney and Alexander Isak; however, they plan to keep Kai Havertz as their main striker.
The revelation comes after their links with Benjamin Sesko, who seems like their priority target. However, in recent weeks, many outlets reported a possible pursuit of Victor Osimhen. The Napoli striker is clearly one of the coveted No.9s in the world right now, and many thought it would be a brilliant deal for the Gunners.
There are some problems with the chase as no club are willing to trigger his massive €130 million release clause, including long-term admirers Chelsea. Arsenal are in the same boat with regards to the Serie A star, who finished the season with 17 goals for Napoli in what was considered an underwhelming season overall
The Gunners are not ready to trigger his release clause, as there is no chance they would make Osimhen their record signing. Instead, Arsenal are keen to play smart in the window and bring in a younger forward, although there were some suggestions that the Napoli star reportedly prefers a switch to the Gunners.
Can Napoli sell Osimhen?
Napoli boss Aurelio De Laurentiis will want to give incoming manager Antonio Conte funds to strengthen the squad and may have placed all his eggs in the Osimhen basket. Had he managed to find a prominent suitor willing to pay the €130 million clause, that would have given Napoli enough ammunition to let Conte build a title-winning squad?
However, considering the hefty price tag, Napoli might have to lower their demands and look to sell Osimhen via negotiations with suitors. At the moment, they will find it really tough to sell their star striker at their current asking price, as Di Laurentiis does not want to negotiate over the release clause.
