Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen has become one of the hottest properties in European football, attracting the interest of two Premier League giants, Arsenal and Chelsea. The 25-year-old, who plays for Napoli in Italy, has a release clause of €130 million ($147 million) in his contract, which expires in 2025.
Osimhen joined Napoli from Lille in 2020 for a club-record fee of €70 million ($79 million), after scoring 18 goals in 38 games for the French side. He has continued his impressive form in Italy, netting 22 goals in 32 appearances for Napoli this season, helping them to challenge for the Serie A title and the Europa League trophy.
According to Italian media outlet Gazzetta dello Sport, Arsenal are keen to sign Osimhen as they look to bolster their attack and qualify for the Champions League next season. The Gunners are currently fourth in the Premier League, six points behind leaders Manchester City, and have scored 52 goals in 26 games, the third-highest tally in the league.
However, Arsenal will face stiff competition from their London rivals Chelsea, who are also reportedly prepared to pay the full release clause for Osimhen. The Blues are second in the Premier League, four points behind City, and have scored 49 goals in 26 games, the fourth-highest tally in the league.
Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel is said to be a big fan of Osimhen, who he sees as a potential replacement for Timo Werner, who has struggled to adapt to English football since his move from RB Leipzig last summer. Werner has scored only five goals in 25 Premier League games and has been linked with a return to Germany.
Osimhen, who has 15 caps and seven goals for Nigeria, is also on the radar of Paris Saint-Germain, who are looking for a new striker after the departure of Kylian Mbappe to Real Madrid. PSG are ready to rival Arsenal and Chelsea for Osimhen, who they view as the perfect partner for Neymar and Lionel Messi in their star-studded attack.
Osimhen has not commented on the transfer speculation but has expressed his happiness at Napoli and his gratitude to the club’s fans for their support. He has also praised his manager Gennaro Gattuso, who he described as “a legend and a leader”.
It remains to be seen whether Osimhen will stay at Napoli or move to a bigger club in the summer, but one thing is certain: he is one of the most sought-after strikers in the world right now, and his future will be a hot topic in the coming months.
Source: Business Day
