Napoli is close to completing a to transfer agreement with the Saudi Pro League team Al Ahli for Victor Osimhen for more than 65 million euros, but the player has not said yes to the transfer.
The Nigerian has been one of the most sought-after strikers in Europe since leading the Gli Azzurri to the Serie A title in the 2022/23 season, scoring 26 goals in Italy’s top flight.
The 25-year-old followed that up with 15 tries last season and signed a contract extension until 2023 with a release clause worth €130m, but has fallen out with the club over some social media incidents and is set to leave this summer. .
Arsenal are said to have rejoined Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain in the race to sign Osimhen, with the Napoli boss recently admitting they are “working” to facilitate his exit.
Now, Fabrizio Romano Reports claim that Napoli are close to reaching an agreement with Al Ahli for a €65 million transfer which will make the striker one of the biggest signings of the Saudi Pro League window so far. Moussa Diaby, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Nacho Fernandez are among those who have moved to the Middle East this summer.
However, Osimhen has yet to make a move. The player who finished second in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations is said to want a ‘significant’ salary and wants a release clause in his contract, while other reports say he wants to continue in Europe.
Osimhen’s agent, Roberto Calenda, has suggested that going to Saudi Arabia is not part of the striker’s plans.
“Osimhen is a Napoli player, whose contract has just been renewed with satisfaction,” he wrote on social media. “He made history and when there were big requests (also this year), we always accepted the team’s decisions.
“As I said, it is not a package that will be sent away to make room for new prophets. Victor was named the best African footballer, eighth in the Ballon d’Or, he still has a lot to do in Europe. It is necessary [for] respect and moderation.”
Napoli had demanded a big transfer fee in previous talks with interested clubs but their price has fallen, with Osimhen missing in either of the first two Serie A games of the season.
Chelsea have so far signed Omari Kellyman, Tosin Adarabioyo, Marc Guiu, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Renato Viega, Caleb Wiley, Pedro Neto and Joao Felix this summer, while Arsenal have brought in David Raya and Riccardo Calafiori. Euro 2024 winner Mikel Merino will soon complete his move to the Emirates Stadium.
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