Napoli’s Victor Osimhen has become the center of attention in the transfer market, with both Arsenal and Chelsea vying for his signature. As the summer window heats up, let’s delve into the latest developments surrounding this talented Nigerian striker.
Arsenal and Chelsea have been locked in a tug-of-war over Osimhen. The Gunners reportedly made a substantial £72 million offer for the 23-year-old, signaling their intent to bolster their attacking options. Meanwhile, Chelsea, under new manager Antonio Conte, are closely monitoring the situation. Osimhen’s explosive form has made him a hot commodity, and both clubs are keen to secure his services.
Napoli, aware of the potential departure of their talismanic striker, is already planning for life without Osimhen. President Aurelio De Laurentiis recently flew to France for a meeting with Paris Saint-Germain’s Nasser Al-Khelaifi. The aim? To convince PSG to part with a hefty €120 million for Osimhen. Napoli’s contingency plan involves identifying two potential replacements: Romelu Lukaku and Artem Dovbyk.
Lukaku, who thrived under Conte at Inter Milan during their 2020/21 title-winning campaign, is an obvious choice. His physicality, goal-scoring prowess, and familiarity with Conte’s system make him an attractive option. Napoli hopes to replicate the Lukaku-Conte magic in Serie A.
The lesser-known name on Napoli’s radar is Artem Dovbyk. The Girona striker had an impressive season, netting 24 goals in 36 La Liga appearances. His emergence as a reliable scorer has piqued Napoli’s interest, especially as they aim to secure Champions League football next season.
Amid the transfer frenzy, Osimhen remains grounded. He acknowledges the Premier League rumors but emphasizes his commitment to Napoli. Having signed a new contract, he enjoys his time with the team. However, he hints at a decision already made for his next career move. As the season concludes, Osimhen plans to relax with his daughter and finalize his future.