
Victor Osimhen has seemingly turned down a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabia in a huge boost to Premier League duo Chelsea and Arsenal.
Earlier today, reports from Italy suggested that Napoli were considering a £60 million bid from Al Ahli for Osimhen, with new manager Antonio Conte reportedly keen on bringing Romelu Lukaku to Naples as a replacement.
However, Osimhen’s agent, Roberto Calenda, has publicly stated that the player has no intention of leaving for the Middle East and has criticised Napoli’s handling of the situation.
“Osimhen is a Napoli player, with a contract recently renewed with mutual satisfaction,” Calenda said on his X (formerly Twitter) account.
“He made history, and when there were major offers (also this year), we always accepted the club’s decisions.
“As I said, it is not a package to be shipped far away to make room for new prophets.
“Victor was elected African footballer of the year, eighth at the Ballon d’Or, he still has so much to do in Europe. There is need respect and balance.”
This news will undoubtedly come as a huge boost to both Chelsea and Arsenal, who have been linked with the highly sought-after striker for some time.
Osimhen’s goal-scoring prowess has made him one of the most coveted players in European football.
He spurred Napoli to the Serie A title with 26 goals in 32 league games in 2022/23. Despite enduring an injury-plagued campaign last term, he still managed 15 goals in 25 league games.
Napoli inserted a £109m release clause in Osimhen’s contract last year, but despite widespread interest in the Nigerian striker, clubs have been reluctant to match the hefty price tag.
Arsenal have reportedly re-entered the race to sign Osimhen, with the Gunners keen to sign a striker before the transfer deadline.
Chelsea are also in talks to sign the former Lille marksman, but they want to strike a loan deal, with Lukaku on the cusp of signing for the Italian giants.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
