7 months ago
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Napoli striker Victor Osimhen is close to joining Paris Saint-Germain this summer, according to reports in Italy.
Chelsea have made Osimhen one of their targets for the summer transfer window but they have faced strong competition from PSG.
Napoli’s president, Aurelio de Laurentiis, has already confirmed that the Nigeria international, who has a release clause between €120 million (£102.6m) and €130m (£111.2m) in his contract, will leave at the end of the season.
And according to the Italian daily newspaper, Il Mattino, Osimhen is ‘one step away’ from a move to PSG and Napoli are waiting for the French club to meet the striker’s release clause.
Osimhen, meanwhile, has already indicated that he is preparing for an emotional farewell with Napoli fans next month.
‘For me it’s a fantastic feeling, in some clubs it’s the history that creates the identity, in Naples it’s the fans who make the team what it is. The way they support the team and each player is truly incredible,’ Osimhen said this week.
‘Sometimes I understand why some legends of the past cried when they left Naples, because it is an extraordinary emotion to play in the stadium and hear your name shouted from the first minute to the 90th, supporting the team and cheering.’
Osimhen’s decision will come as a blow for Chelsea, who have struggled in front of goal this season with the injury to Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson’s inconsistency inside the box.
Former Chelsea midfielder, John Obi Mikel, had claimed in February that Osimhen was interested in a move to Stamford Bridge.
Asked if Osimhen joining Chelsea is a ‘genuine possibility’, Mikel said: ‘I think there is genuine interest between both. I think he loves the club, he wants to come to the club.
‘London as well, fantastic city, instead of going to Liverpool or places like that you want to live in London.
‘But he also has a lot of interest. Paris Saint-Germain, Man United.
‘I’m still pushing, sending him messages, trying to make sure he doesn’t expect to much, narrow you’re mind on one club – the Blues.’
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