Reports suggest that suitors for Napoli striker Victor Osimhen are now anticipating that the Nigerian international will make a move to the Saudi Pro League this summer.
Chelsea were in discussions over a potential deal for Osimhen last summer but were unable to reach an agreement before the transfer window closed.
The dynamic forward then joined Galatasaray on loan but will return to Napoli this summer with just one year remaining on his contract.
Despite his loan move, Chelsea are still reportedly interested, with Arsenal and Manchester United also among the clubs said to be targeting Osimhen.
Since joining Galatasaray, Osimhen has netted 28 goals in 32 appearances, and it’s believed that his Napoli contract contains a release clause set at €75m (£63.5m).
However, according to David Ornstein of The Athletic, there is a growing consensus among Osimhen’s Premier League suitors that the 26-year-old is most likely to end up in Saudi Arabia by the end of the season.
Osimhen had the option to move to the Saudi Pro League last year when Al Ahli made bids for both him and Ivan Toney.
A shift in Napoli’s asking price eventually led them to pursue Toney, despite Osimhen’s interest in the move and the significant financial offer from the Middle East.
The interest from Saudi Arabia remains, and while it is believed that Osimhen would prefer to stay in Europe, there are concerns within Arsenal, Chelsea, and United that his wage demands may push him toward a move to Saudi Arabia.
With intense competition for top strikers this summer, Osimhen’s suitors have been drawing up lengthy lists of alternative targets.
Long-term interest in Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres persists, while recent reports have also linked Osimhen’s suitors with Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike, Juventus’ Dusan Vlahovic, Wolves’ Matheus Cunha, and Ipswich’s Liam Delap as potential alternatives.
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