1 month ago
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Chelsea and Arsenal have been handed a significant boost in any potential bid to secure the transfer of Victor Osimhen from Napoli.
The Nigerian international has been heavily linked with a move away from Serie A throughout the summer transfer window.
Rumours have been swirling this week that Osimhen could be heading to the Saudi Pro League after Al Ahli submitted a €65 million bid to Napoli.
But Stamford Bridge has been viewed as the striker’s most likely destination while the Gunners have also held a long-term interest.
Napoli are willing to let the 25-year-old leave for the right price after agreeing a deal to sign Chelsea outcast Romelu Lukaku who spent the last two seasons on loan at Inter and Roma.
However, the Italian giants have not yet accepted Al Ahli’s proposal for Osimhen and his agent has now appeared to rule out a move to Saudi Arabia.
‘Osimhen is a Napoli player, with a contract recently renewed with mutual satisfaction,’ said Roberto Calenda, who represents Osimhen, on X.
‘He made history and when there were major offers (also this year) we always accepted the club’s decisions.
‘As I said, he is not a package to be shipped far away to make room for new prophets.
‘Victor was elected African footballer of the year, eighth at the Ballon d’Or, (and) he still has so much to do in Europe.
‘There is need (for) respect and balance.’
ð®ð¹ Osimhen è un giocatore del Napoli, con un contratto rinnovato recentemente con reciproca soddisfazione. Ha fatto la storia in azzurro e quando ci sono state offerte importanti (anche questâanno) abbiamo sempre accettato le decisioni del club.
Come ho già detto non è un paccoâ¦
Calenda’s update will likely put the London Premier League clubs on red alert after he insisted Osimhen wants to stay in Europe.
Osimhen has scored 66 goals in 103 games in all competitions for Napoli over the last three seasons but hasn’t featured in any matchday squads at the start of the new campaign.
Despite having a litany of options at his disposal after a whirlwind transfer window, Enzo Maresca said the Blues may still seek to sign another centre forward to provide competition for Nicolas Jackson.
Mikel Arteta has also admitted he is ‘a little short’ of forward players with many calling for the north London side to bring in a goalscorer to provide vital depth to help Arsenal challenge Manchester City for the title again.
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