Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis is plotting a move to keep star forward Victor Osimhen at the club this summer.
Osimhen's future remains in the balance in this summer transfer window after a phenomenal season that saw the Nigerian lead the Gil Azzurri to their first Serie A title in 33 years.
The Super Eagles striker finished as the league's top scorer with 26 goals, became Africa's highest goalscorer ever in Italian football, and is currently seen as one of the best in the world.
The five African players to hit 25+ goals in Europe's top 5 leagues (in a single season) in the last 15 years 🌍
🇳🇬 Osimhen 22/23
🇪🇬 Salah 17/18
🇬🇦 Aubameyang 16/17
🇨🇮 Drogba 09/10
🇨🇲 Eto'o 08/09 pic.twitter.com/W78qBauruu— LiveScore (@livescore) June 5, 2023
The Napoli and Super Eagles marksman has attracted the interest of some of the best clubs in Europe, who believe he could be the man to lead the line for them in the future.
His current employers Napoli are also interested in retaining his services for the foreseeable future and are keen on keeping him beyond this summer transfer window.
Napoli president De Laurentiis spearheads the operation to keep him at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium. He plans to keep his star player by giving him a record-breaking salary that could change the club's wage structure.
Napoli's plan to keep Osimhen
According to a recent edition of Il Mattino, De Laurentiis plans to offer the striker a two-year renewal with an extension of the current contract in place. This will make the current deal last until 2027 with economic adjustments which will include a termination or release clause. The new contract will make him the highest-paid Napoli player ever.
There has also been speculation that the release clause would be worth €75 million, which is half of their valuation of the player. This release clause will not be activated immediately but in the 2024/2025 season, allowing Osimhen to spend at least another year at the club before he is sold.
Parties interested in the Super Eagles forward
There is interest from the top European clubs like PSG, who are reportedly in the lead and are searching for a new striker with the departure of Lionel Messi and the uncertain future of Kylian Mbappè, who has not renewed his contract, which is due to expire in a year. Real Madrid, who are Mbappe's probable destination, are also said to be interested in Osimhen.
English clubs are not left out of this race. Chelsea and Manchester United, in particular, are two teams seen as the most prominent English suitors for Osimhen in a league the Gil Azzurri man dreams of playing in.
Both teams need a striker and could offer significant amounts of money to sign the player in the future.
Right now, both sides look to be occupied with other targets, which may give Napoli a chance to make Osimhen commit his future to them. He has previously expressed his love for the club and a desire to stay with Napoli if possible.
Osimhen currently in Lagos for Holidays
Away from the noise,Osimhen is currently enjoying his much-deserved summer vacation in Nigeria, his home country.
Returning to where my football dream and journey began in Olusosun gives me so much goosebumps. I am humbled and grateful for the roots that shaped my dreams. This is me once again appreciating their love and support and i will always cherish Olusosun and it’s people. Thank You!… pic.twitter.com/NgfI50UYZ2
— Victor Osimhen (@victorosimhen9) June 23, 2023
The 24-year-old recently reconnected with his roots, where it all began, and has posted his wholesome journey on social media.
This article was most recently revised and updated 1 year ago
