Reports from Italy claim that Napoli has received an approach from German Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich for frontman Victor Osimhen.
This comes after the Bavarians were given a reality check by their star striker Robert Lewandowski who declared plainly that he was done with the club.
Lewandowski made the comments while on international duty with Poland. “One thing is certain today – my story with Bayern is over. After everything that has happened in recent months, I cannot imagine further good cooperation,” Lewandowski said at a press conference during international duty with Poland.
“I realise a transfer will be the best solution for both sides.”
Bayern are now scrambling to find a replacement for the man who rose to become the second-highest goalscorer in their history and, according to reports, have identified Victor Osimhen as an option.
The Nigerian striker finished the just concluded season with the award for the best young player in the Serie A for his exploits at Napoli where he finished as the club’s highest goalscorer. His performances have been hampered by injuries but on his day, he remains one of the scariest strikers to play against, according to a number of Serie A defenders.
Osimhen is also a target for Manchester United Arsenal and Newcastle United and has been linked to Liverpool. A few calls have been made by pundits to Juventus to go after Osimhen to pair him with another impressive striker in Dusan Vlahovic.
Bayern’s interest is the latest but Corriere dello Sport reports that they only contacted Napoli to ask for information on a possible transfer. Napoli have been clear regarding their €100 million price tag and will only listen to offers that could turn their head.
Osimhen, however, has committed his future to the club, his contract expires in 2024 and he hopes to be able to stay for a while longer and help the club fight for the Scudetto.
Lazio and Napoli considering player swap
Meanwhile, Lazio and Napoli are discussing a potential swap deal for two of their players; Piotr Zielinski and Luis Alberto.
Zielinski was one of Maurizio Sarri’s favourite players while he was Napoli manager a few years ago. Now at Lazio, he is looking to reunite with the Polish attacking midfielder and is responsible for the discussions surrounding both clubs at the moment.
Sarri will be killing two birds with one stone as it has been reported that his relationship with the Spanish midfielder has deteriorated and he would be happy to see his back. He will also be doing Napoli a favour with his desire to reunite with Zielinski because the Polish midfielder has been poor under Spaletti and is currently up for sale.
Both attacking midfielders are valued at around €40 – 50 million, so a straight swap is possible.
