Premier League giants Arsenal are reportedly preparing to make an offer for Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen following Napoli’s decision to reduce their asking price. According to Italian reports, the Gunners, who finished as runners-up in the 2023/24 Premier League season, are now ready to negotiate with the former Serie A champions.
Il Matino reported on Monday that Napoli are no longer insisting on the €120 million release clause included in Osimhen’s new contract signed in December 2023. The 25-year-old forward has expressed no interest in moving to Saudi Arabia, despite receiving lucrative offers from the region. Napoli are eager to sell Osimhen this summer to focus on acquiring a new striker, although completing a deal has proven challenging. Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis is actively working on the sale.
According to the Campania newspaper, Napoli have identified Belgian forward Romelu Lukaku and Ukrainian striker Artem Dovbyk as potential replacements should Osimhen leave Diego Maradona Stadium this summer.
Manchester United have also shown interest in Osimhen and are reportedly considering a player-plus-cash deal involving striker Rasmus Hojlund, who impressed in his debut campaign with the Red Devils last season.
Despite his crucial role in Napoli’s recent successes, including their Scudetto-winning 2022/23 campaign, the club is prepared to cash in on Osimhen. Initially set between €120m and €130m, his release clause has been a sticking point for potential buyers, prompting Napoli to lower their asking price to €100m.
While Chelsea, Manchester United, and Paris Saint-Germain have all been linked with Osimhen, no official bids have been made, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport. Napoli previously turned down an offer exceeding €200 million from a Saudi Arabian club last summer.
Osimhen, who was signed from Lille in 2020 for around €75 million, has established himself as one of the most exciting strikers in world football, making him a coveted target for several top European clubs this summer.
