New Napoli manager Antonio Conte has spoken out about Victor Osimhen’s future at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium amid Paris Saint-Germain’s (PSG) €200 million bid.
The 25-year-old Nigerian striker has been heavily linked with a move this summer, with multiple top clubs expressing interest.
PSG have reportedly offered €200 million for Osimhen and his Napoli teammate Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, but the former Serie E A champions are unwilling to accept the offer.
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Conte, former Chelsea manager, provided an update on Osimhen’s potential exit as he begins his tenure as Napoli head coach. He told the media, as per Fabrizio Romano: “I spoke to Victor and there are no changes in his situation. He’s a top player. He’s a Napoli player today, so he needs to work hard, even if we have an agreement [for his potential exit], and still, we don’t know the outcome of this story.”
Osimhen scored 15 goals and provided three assists in 25 Serie A appearances last season and has just two years left on his current Napoli contract. As one of the most sought-after strikers this summer, he has attracted interest from Premier League clubs Arsenal, Manchester United, and Chelsea.
However, Napoli’s insistence on meeting his €130 million release clause has deterred these clubs. With Kylian Mbappe having moved to Real Madrid, PSG are in search of a new top-class striker to replace the Frenchman.
Chelsea and Arsenal have been touted as Osimhen’s most likely destinations, but Napoli has insisted that the Nigerian will not leave unless his €130 million release clause is activated. Both London clubs are unlikely to pay this figure, making a move seem improbable.
While a switch to the Saudi Pro League seems a likely next step for Osimhen, Gianluca Di Marzio, via CalcioNapoli24, recently revealed that he might stay at Napoli after all. The Nigerian has impressed in pre-season training, and the possibility of remaining in Naples hasn’t been ruled out.
