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By Ebenezer Bajela
Italian publication Tutto Napoli on Wednesday reported that Nigeria international Victor Osimhen was getting fed up with the prolonged negotiation between Napoli and suitors Paris Saint-Germain, with the striker now open to a move to Saudi Arabia, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
The report further stated that Al-Ahli and Al-Hilal are set to make another move for the Nigerian, who is eager to have his future sorted out before the start of the season.
Osimhen has emerged as one of the most sought-after strikers in Europe, having been linked with moves to Chelsea, Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United, and Liverpool, among others.
However, his hefty €130m release clause has scared off many suitors, with PSG the only European club still keen on signing him.
Talks between Napoli and PSG have taken another turn, with reports emerging that the Ligue 1 side will have to sell either Gancalo Ramos or Randal Kolo-Muani before proceeding with the signing of the Nigerian striker.
While Osimhen is ready to leave Napoli this summer, the Super Eagles striker’s priority is to remain in Europe and fight for the biggest trophies on the continent.
Osimhen had rejected numerous offers from clubs in Saudi Arabia in the past. Tutto Napoli wrote that the 25-year-old had instructed his entourage to listen to offers from the Middle East.
“Yesterday’s slowdown in the negotiations between Victor Osimhen and PSG is sensational: the Napoli striker, tired of waiting for the French to find him a place in the team by selling Kolo Muani or Gonçalo Ramos, winks at Saudi Arabia,” the Italian publication wrote.
“The Nigerian is covered by a €130m release clause that is considered excessive even by the sheikhs of Paris. So the French have tried without success to include their surplus strikers in the talks to unblock the operation.
“Osimhen is fed up, a prisoner of his golden contract. De Laurentiis will probably grant discounts on the clause but not sales. Therefore, the player’s entourage, in order to hurry the French and unblock an embarrassing situation, has made it known that the centre-forward would be available to listen to Al Hilal’s proposal.”
Osimhen joined Napoli from Lille in the 2020 summer for a club record fee of €70m plus another €10m in bonuses.
The 25-year-old has been in top form for the Parthenopeans for the past two seasons, guiding them to their first Scudetto title in over three decades in the 2022/23 season, scoring 26 league goals, which earned him the top scorer award.