Napoli target Arsenal duo in Osimhen swap deal

Napoli are reportedly interested in signing two Arsenal players Emile Smith Rowe or Takehiro Tomiyasu as part of a potential deal for Victor Osimhen.

Osimhen, who netted 15 goals in Serie A last season, was widely expected to leave Napoli at the end of the season. In January, Napoli president Aurelio de Laurentiis suggested the striker could move to Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, or a Premier League club this summer.

Although Osimhen has an option to join the Saudi Pro League, he prefers to stay in Europe.

Despite the anticipation, Napoli have not yet received any offers for the 25-year-old forward. Corriere dello Sport reports that the Serie A club is looking for a fee close to Osimhen’s €130 million (£110.8 million) release clause. With interest from Arsenal resurfacing, Napoli are exploring ways to offset the high cost by including Arsenal players in the deal.

Napoli are reportedly interested in Emile Smith Rowe and Takehiro Tomiyasu from Mikel Arteta’s squad. The Italian club had shown interest in these players during the January transfer window, prior to Tomiyasu signing a new contract in March.

Smith Rowe has struggled for playing time under Arteta this season, starting only three Premier League games. Arsenal are believed to be open to offers for the 23-year-old, with Fulham already prioritizing him as a transfer target.

The two players could be valued north of £70 million by Arsenal, which would bring them closer to making a concrete offer lower than the release clause in Osimhen’s contract—a tempting prospect for Napoli.

A clinical striker is a top priority for Mikel Arteta this summer, with many believing it is the final piece needed to secure the Premier League title. Osimhen is regarded as one of the best strikers in Europe and has been linked with a potential move to the Emirates for some time.

The Nigerian striker has a £110 million release clause, and Corriere dello Sport claims there has been little indication that any club will meet that price. The report states that Osimhen is keen on a move to the Premier League, and Arsenal have ‘resurfaced’ with their interest.