Arsenal have reportedly made contact with Napoli star Victor Osimhen, as the Premier League giants intensify their search for a prolific frontman this summer, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
The Nigeria international has been in scintillating form since joining the Italian side from Lille in 2020, netting 76 times in all competitions.
His goal-scoring prowess has not gone unnoticed, with several Premier League heavyweights keeping tabs on the 25-year-old striker who has also garnered attention from Real Madrid and French giants Paris Saint-Germain.
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However, Mikel Arteta’s side are not believed to be leading the race for his signature despite already touching base over a transfer. That’s after Gianluca Di Marzio told bettingexpert.com (via The Mirror) that no solid negotiations have taken place as of yet.
Paris Saint-Germain have reportedly made Osimhen one of their top targets this summer, as they look to fill the void left by Kylian Mbappe following his move to Real Madrid.
The Ligue 1 giants could be the only European club capable of luring him away from Napoli, although they are reluctant to meet his £112m release clause.
Despite heavy links with the player in recent years, Chelsea appear to be out of the running for Osimhen after showing little interest of late. It’s believed that Enzo Maresca prefers Atletico Madrid’s Samu Omorodion, but Alvaro Morata’s move to AC Milan has complicated that storyline.
Arsenal’s pursuit of Osimhen could intensify following comments made by Fenerbahce boss Jose Mourinho, who compared the Napoli striker to Chelsea legend Didier Drogba.
“He is of the same level as Drogba, but Didier didn’t dive. If Victor changes, then OK. I’d buy him if I was at a club with a lot of money,” Mourinho said.
With Chelsea stepping back and Manchester United having secured Dutch talent Joshua Zirkzee for £36.5m, there is room for the Gunners to make a run at Osimhen.
Should Arsenal fail to land Osimhen, Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres and Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak are seen as potential alternatives.
However, both players come with hefty price tags, with Gyokeres having an £84m release clause and Isak valued at £100m.
The Punch
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