Nigerian striker, Victor Osimhen, who has been in stellar form for Napoli over the past two seasons, is reportedly eyeing a move to the Premier League, with Arsenal emerging as his preferred destination.
This comes following a complicated transfer scenario, as Arsenal’s recent shift towards signing a winger could potentially derail their pursuit of the prolific forward.
An Italian journalist, Valter De Maggio, while speaking on Radio Kiss Kiss Napoli, revealed that while Osimhen’s first choice is a transfer to Arsenal, he may consider other options, including a move to the Middle East, if the North London club does not make a bid.
Stressing the striker’s preference for Arsenal over other clubs, including Chelsea, another potential suitor, De Maggio said “Osimhen wants the Premier League; if the offer doesn’t come, then he would consider the Arab one.”
The essence of the transfer complexity lies in Osimhen’s release clause, set at a whooping €130 million by Napoli’s president, Aurelio De Laurentiis, who is not open to negotiations.
This huge sum, coupled with Arsenal’s pivot in transfer strategy towards a winger-potentially influenced by Kai Havertz’s recent performances-poses a significant challenge in securing Osimhen’s services.
Osimhen, 25, has been a key player for Napoli, scoring 17 goals this season following a 31-goal haul the previous year.
His prowess and scoring ability have made him a hot commodity in the transfer market, with multiple top clubs linked to him.
As the transfer window progresses, it remains to be seen whether Arsenal will adjust their priorities to accommodate a bid for Osimhen or if the striker will have to look elsewhere, including Chelsea or even Saudi Arabia, for his next move.
