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By Peter Akinbo
Napoli are prepared to sell Nigerian forward, Victor Osimhen, to Arsenal if they receive two players in exchange — Takehiro Tomiyasu and Emile Smith Rowe, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
Osimhen continues to be linked with a move away from the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona despite having two years left on his contract.
The Nigeria international has already cemented himself in Napoli history, scoring 26 goals in 33 matches to fire the Italian club to the 2022/23 Serie A title, their first in 33 years.
Napoli experienced a significant drop-off last term, but Osimhen still managed to finish the Serie A campaign with a respectable 15-goal tally.
Although the Nigerian is attracting significant interest, Napoli’s financial demands could hinder his chances of securing a move away. A recent report from Sportsmole claimed that Chelsea were set to give up their pursuit, with the West London club unwilling to pay the striker’s €130m release clause.
Arsenal are also believed to be among Osimhen’s suitors, and they may be able to convince Napoli to drop their asking price if they offer players in exchange.
According to Corriere dello Sport, the Gunners could use defender Tomiyasu and forward Smith Rowe as part of a swap deal for Osimhen.
The report suggests that Napoli are admirers of Tomiyasu and Smith Rowe, and the opportunity to sign them could create the space for Mikel Arteta to land a top-quality striker.
While Arsenal will be keen to sign someone of Osimhen’s quality, there is some doubt as to whether they will allow Tomiyasu to leave the club.
The Japan international has proven to be a useful member of the Arsenal squad, having been utilised across the back four following his arrival from Bologna in 2021.
Tomiyasu chipped in with two goals in 30 competitive appearances during the 2023/24 season despite seeing his campaign affected by injury issues.
The versatile defender still has two years left on his contract, with an option to extend by a further 12 months.
In contrast to Tomiyasu, Arsenal are willing to offload Smith Rowe this summer after the academy product was limited to just 13 Premier League appearances last season