Arsenal are reportedly interested in signing Victor Osimhen, a player who would cost £110 million. In turn, Napoli appear to be interested in two Arsenal stars, which could lead to a reduction in the Nigerian international’s release clause.
The North London club are looking to bolster their attacking line and Osimhen is up on that list as a viable possibility. However the asking price is the stumbling block for the transfer to happen.
Osimhen is poised to depart Napoli this summer following the club’s poor 10th place finish in Serie A. Despite interest from Paris Saint-Germain and clubs in Saudi Arabia, it seems the Premier League remains Osimhen’s chosen destination.
Napoli eager for bumper Osimhen sale
According to Italian source Corriere dello Sport, Napoli are keen to receive his full £110m release clause, although no bid close to that sum has been received yet. Arsenal have apparently shown renewed interest in Osimhen, despite links to RB Leipzig attacker Benjamin Sesko.
The north London club may have an opportunity to haggle down the fee for the 25-year-old. Newly appointed Napoli manager Antonio Conte is thought to be interested in Emile Smith Rowe and Takehiro Tomiyasu, which may work in Arsenal’s benefit.
It could be good for the Gunners to contemplate parting ways with one or both of these players if it means acquiring Osimhen’s services. Arsenal’s versatile defender Tomiyasu, renewed his contract in March, but might find his position at the club less secure due to the return of Jurrien Timber and the inclusion of Ben White, Oleksandr Zinchenko, and Jakub Kiwior as full-back possibilities.
The London side is open to proposals for Smith Rowe following Fulham’s interest in making him a crucial signing this summer. With minimal starts in the league last season, Smith Rowe might be on his way to Craven Cottage if Fulham matches Arsenal’s asking price, believed to be about £25m.
While Mikel Arteta would undoubtedly want to maintain both Smith Rowe and Tomiyasu, the opportunity to get Osimhen, one of Europe’s top attackers, at a bargain could be too good to pass up, especially with Napoli apparently set for his exit.
Napoli’s president Aurelio de Laurentiis revealed in January, “We knew (Osimhen would leave Napoli this summer) since last summer.”
“That’s why the contract negotiations were so drawn out and amicable… but we knew perfectly well that he would go Real Madrid, to PSG or to an English team.”
