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By: Peter Akinbo.
Premier League side Arsenal are reportedly considering a strategic move to acquire Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen during the summer of 2024, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
During the current transfer window, Arsenal made headlines by securing the services of Declan Rice from West Ham United for a whopping £105m. This groundbreaking deal not only shattered Arsenal’s previous transfer record, but also set a new British record.
Despite not being traditional big spenders among the Premier League’s elite clubs, Arsenal appears ready to invest substantially in their squad’s future.
According to an exclusive from Football Transfers, Mikel Arteta’s side are boosted by current Scudetto holders Napoli appointing former Spezia chief Mauro Meluso as their new sporting director.
Arsenal are believed to have an excellent relationship with Meluso and according to the report, could well do business with him again.
This development has paved the way for the possibility of the Gunners making a marquee bid for Osimhen in the forthcoming summer transfer window. To accommodate the arrival of a top striker, which the team has lacked in recent seasons, one of Eddie Nketiah or Gabriel Jesus may be moved on by Arteta.
Osimhen had previously rejected a move to the North London club back in 2015. However, things might take a different turn now, considering his recent successes and increased market value.
According to Transfermarkt, the Nigeria international is currently valued at €120m. Napoli are desperate to retain their star player, as they look to make him the highest-paid player in the club’s history. The club’s president, Aurelio De Laurentiis, has engaged in discussions with Osimhen’s agent, Roberto Calenda, at the training camp in Castel Di Sangro to negotiate the terms of a new contract.
Osimhen’s splendid performance in Napoli’s victorious Scudetto-winning campaign last season, scoring an impressive 26 goals in 32 Serie A appearances, has undoubtedly increased his allure in the football market. Reports from Gazzetta dello Sport suggest that the talented striker is open to signing a new four-year contract with a club-record salary of approximately €7m net per season, inclusive of add-ons.
However, the major sticking point in the contract negotiations lies in the release clause. Osimhen desires the release clause to be set at €120m, but De Laurentiis is adamant about not settling for anything less than €160m.