On June 12th, Il Roma reported Napoli star Victor Osimhen’s agent had held talks with Arsenal.
The Gunners are said to be in the market for a new striker, and after Benjamin Šeško decided to continue with RB Leipzig, they have decided to shift their focus to Osimhen.
That’s according to Italian journalist Ciro Venerato, relayed by Area Napoli, and he told TGR that Arsenal will make an approach for the 25-year-old.
“Arsenal will make an attempt with Napoli in the next few days after many rumours. The Gunners wanted Šeško, who instead decided to stay at Leipzig,” he said.
The Italian media have repeatedly said the former Lille man favours a move to England, and this is now echoed by the Napoli expert.
“[Arsenal] will now try with the Nigerian [who dreams of the Premier League] but not by paying the onerous amount of the clause, but a lower sum. Napoli will have to evaluate the pros and cons,” Venerato explained.
Over the past few months, claims from Italy have stated the Nigeria international’s release clause is between €120m and €130m. There’s been talk of interest from Paris Saint-Germain and Saudi Arabia, but Venerato says Osimhen prefers the Premier League.
Meanwhile, Finidi George has stepped down as the Nigeria manager, and Osimhen has hit out at George for questioning his commitment towards the national team.
The Napoli frontman publicly stated, in a rant he published a video for, he “lost respect” for George. This is unlikely to please Mikel Arteta and Arsenal director Edu Gaspar, and it could make the Gunners think twice about making an approach for Osimhen.
Indeed, elsewhere in Italy it’s being reported that Osimhen’s very public tantrum will likely impact Napoli’s chances of getting the fee they want.
