Napoli sporting director Giovanni Manna was reportedly in London to discuss the sale of Victor Osimhen with Manchester United and Chelsea earlier this week. The Nigerian international is expected to be sold this summer, and Napoli could offer favourable terms to Premier League sides in an effort to stop him joining a Serie A rival.
The relationship between Osimhen and the Azzurri took a hit during last summer’s long-running transfer saga, and he was shipped off to spend the season on loan at Galatasaray after Al-Ahli and Chelsea both failed to sign him. The 26-year-old has scored 20 goals in 23 Turkish Super Lig games, outlining his status as one of Europe’s top strikers.
With a £64million release clause inserted into his Napoli contract, it is deemed inevitable that Osimhen will move on this summer. And the Italian outfit are seemingly willing to come down on that price if it prevents the centre-forward joining another Italian side.
Juventus are said to be interested, but Osimhen has repeatedly talked up the prospect of one day playing in the Premier League. United or Chelsea could make his dreams come true in the upcoming transfer window, and they may not even have to pay full price.
According to Italian newspaper Il Mattino, Manna jetted to London earlier this week for discussions with the Premier League duo.
Napoli are keen to ‘understand the intentions‘ of their potential buyers, and they have reportedly made it clear that the value of Osimhen’s release clause is not necessarily the all-important figure.
United and Chelsea are both expected to go after a big-name striker this summer, and Osimhen is one of the standout candidates. Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee have failed to nail down the No. 9 spot at Old Trafford, while Chelsea do not have natural cover for the injured Nicolas Jackson.
Although Osimhen is in demand, the presence of other red-hot centre-forwards on the market could jeopardise his move to England. Viktor Gyokeres has enjoyed a scintillating campaign in Portugal and he is among the names being monitored by top clubs in the Premier League.
Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap is also believed to be a player of interest. Newcastle United star Alexander Isak naturally has a whole host of suitors, but the Magpies’ hefty £150m asking price could see him stick around in the north-east for at least another season.
Content Source: www.express.co.uk