Victor Osimhen is firmly on the radar of some of Europe’s biggest clubs, with eight top teams reportedly in the race to sign the Nigerian striker this summer, Soccernet.ng reports.
According to transfer market expert Rudy Galetti for TEAMtalk, Galatasaray, Juventus, PSG, Chelsea, Manchester United, Arsenal, AC Milan, and Real Madrid have all made contact over a potential deal for the Napoli forward.
Osimhen is expected to leave the Serie A club this summer, with his contract set to enter its final 12 months.
Nigeria and Napoli striker Victor Osimhen
Nigeria and Napoli striker Victor Osimhen. Photo by IMAGO
After a record-breaking loan spell at Galatasaray, where he scored 37 goals and added eight assists in 41 appearances, Osimhen's stock has never been higher.
The Super Eagles forward helped the Turkish giants to a domestic league and cup double and also became the first Nigerian to win the Turkish Super Lig Golden Boot with 26 goals.
Nigeria Super Eagles and Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen
Nigeria Super Eagles and Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen. Photo Credit X
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Man United & AC Milan fall behind in race for Victor Osimhen
However, despite Manchester United being among the interested clubs, the Premier League side may find themselves out of the running.
One of Osimhen's key conditions is Champions League football — something United, along with AC Milan, cannot offer next season. This is believed to be a major stumbling block in any potential deal.
Nigeria and Napoli striker Victor Osimhen.
Nigeria and Napoli striker Victor Osimhen. Photo by IMAGO
Osimhen, who has also rejected a lucrative offer from Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal, is said to be in no rush to make a final decision.
The 26-year-old is prioritising both the sporting vision and financial packages of interested clubs. It remains possible he could return to Napoli for pre-season training on July 15 while he considers his options.
Nigeria and Napoli striker Victor Osimhen.
Nigeria and Napoli striker Victor Osimhen. Photo by IMAGO
Napoli, for their part, are standing firm. The club will only allow Osimhen to leave if an Italian side triggers his €75 million (£63.8m) release clause. Non-Italian sides like Real Madrid, PSG, and Chelsea would need to negotiate a separate fee with Napoli directly.
Galatasaray are understood to be desperate to keep him, having already offered Osimhen a deal worth €15 million annually, with an additional €10 million in commercial endorsements.
The Nigerian star previously scored 76 goals in 133 appearances for Napoli before his loan switch, and his next move is shaping up to be one of the summer's most watched transfer sagas.