Premier League rivals eye Victor Osimhen as Napoli struggle to secure contract extension

Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano in a recent update has hinted at the possibility of Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen departing Napoli in the summer of 2024.

Both Chelsea and Arsenal from the Premier League are reportedly interested in acquiring the 24-year-old's services.

It is believed that Arsenal's sporting director, Edu, has already engaged in talks with Napoli regarding the potential transfer of the prolific striker.

Despite Napoli placing a hefty £150 million price tag on Osimhen, the Serie A champions are reluctant to part ways with their talisman, who played a crucial role in their league title triumph last season.

Osimhen's current contract with Napoli is set to expire in just over 18 months, adding a sense of urgency to negotiations for a new deal.

Napoli is eager to convince the Nigerian forward to commit his future to the club, and they have presented an enticing offer, reportedly the highest in the club's history, surpassing salaries of past stars like Cavani and Higuain.

However, Romano suggests that an agreement is yet to be reached, despite Napoli's persistent efforts.

While Napoli remains optimistic, Romano speculates that the likelihood of Osimhen leaving in the summer of 2024 is substantial. He dismisses the possibility of a January exit but suggests that a summer move is more probable.

Osimhen's proven goal-scoring ability and recent accolades, such as winning the Italian Footballers’ Association Player of The Year award, make him an attractive prospect for top clubs.

As Osimhen remains in contention for the CAF African Footballer of the Year award scheduled for December 11, the summer transfer window could witness intense competition for his signature if negotiations with Napoli do not yield a contract extension.