A Victor Osimhen news is on the cards as Premier League side Arsenal continue to seek for a number 9 to help solve their recent goal-scoring problem.
Mikel Arteta's outfit have for some time been interested in bolstering their attacking ranks with a proven goal-scorer, and they have lined up quite a number of names of which Napoli striker Osimhen is in consideration.
The Super Eagles marksman and reigning African Footballer of the Year has become a preferred number 9 by a host of clubs since his groundbreaking Serie A campaign last season where he guided Napoli to a first league title in 33 years.
Rumours of the Nigerian leaving the Serie A side became strong after protracted contract extension talks, however, despite expectations of his departure from Napoli in January, the 24-year-old put those speculations to rest by finally extending his stay in Naples last month.
According to Napoli Magazine, Osimhen’s new contract will keep him in the club until 2026, featuring a substantial €130 million release clause, which underscores the club’s high regard for him as a valuable asset.
Osimhen news: Why Arsenal could sign the Nigerian
Arsenal are looking to land their preferred forward Osimhen after recently learning that the Napoli man has a release clause lower than the speculated €130 million.
According to reports, the Gunners have been told that Osimhen, who's currently on international duty for Nigeria, has a release clause in the region lower than what has been rumoured since his contract extension became official.
Arsenal told Victor Osimhen has a release clause lower than rumoured €130m#afc pic.twitter.com/ie3Gy0m48T
— Rowie (@_rowie__) January 11, 2024
The news has driven the Gunners to believe in their financial capabilities of luring Osimhen to England and finally fulfilling his dreams of playing in the Premier League.
The reigning Serie A Best Player in his three years in Napoli has had a great impact, scoring 63 goals and providing 16 assists in 111 appearances.
Osimhen's significant impact played a crucial role in the club's first Scudetto win in 33 years which has earned him a ‘cult hero' status amongst fans in Naples.
Discussing Osimhen’s future, his agent Roberto Calenda, expressed satisfaction with the player’s current situation in Napoli, emphasizing his commitment towards helping the club win more trophies this season.
“Victor is doing very well in Naples and wants to take the team as high as possible. He has always said it and backed it up on the pitch. We just closed a historic deal in the history of Italian football. Let’s enjoy it,” Calenda said in a statement to Corriere dello Sport via Football Italia.
“I represent Victor and I want what’s best for him. We’ve both wanted a renewal since the summer. Last summer, plenty of offers arrived, some monstrous ones, but De Laurentiis wanted to keep Victor and we made ourselves available. If we wanted to leave, we would have said so. Instead, we worked, a lot, to get the renewal done. Next summer it will be the same.” He added.
Osimhen will be in action for Nigeria on Sunday as the Super Eagles take on the Nzalang Nacional of Equatorial Guinea in an Africa Cup of Nations Group A match at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan.
Osimhen played a crucial role for Nigeria in the tournament's qualification series where he bagged 10 goals to finish as the top scorer. He will be eager to help the team once again as they aim to bring home a fourth AFCON trophy for Nigeria.
This article was most recently revised and updated 8 months ago
