Napoli lower Osimhen asking price to £85m

According to Calcio Mercato, Napoli still haven’t received any offers for Nigerian striker, Victor Osimhen, and are now willing to listen to proposals in the region of around £85m instead of the initial £100m release clause as they look to cash in on the striker this summer.

Other reports in Italy state that the Serie A side would agree to a player-swap deal with Manchester United, which will see Mason Greenwood join the former Serie A champions, with Osimhen heading in the opposite direction.

Manchester United are keen to sell Greenwood in the summer, even though the rape charges against him were dropped last year. The 22-year-old winger did well on a loan at Spanish La Liga side Getafe, winning the club’s Player of The Season award, and has been linked with several clubs, including Juventus, Lazio, and Napoli.

Manchester United may consider including Greenwood in a part-exchange deal due to their interest in signing Osimhen, as Napoli’s Sporting Director Giovanni Manna is believed to have a good impression of Greenwood.

The reigning African Footballer of the Year, who renewed his contract with Napoli in January, with a release clause set at €130 million. Along with this, a ‘gentleman’s agreement’ was reportedly in place, allowing him to leave the club this summer.

Several clubs, including Arsenal, had distanced themselves from meeting this high release clause, hoping to negotiate a lower fee. London rivals Chelsea were also interested but have reportedly backed off due to financial constraints.

Although there was genuine interest from the Saudi Pro League, Osimhen prefers to continue his career in Europe, with the Premier League as his favoured destination.

New reports from Italy indicate that Napoli has now lowered their demands for Osimhen from the initial release clause, showing willingness to entertain offers around €100 million (£85 million). 

talian outlet Il Roma recently revealed that Arsenal had contacted Osimhen’s agent, Roberto Calenda, to discuss a potential summer transfer to the Emirates Stadium. Journalist Ciro Venerato confirmed these speculations on social media, stating: “Arsenal will now try to sign the Nigerian who dreams of the English Premier League, but not by paying the exorbitant sum of the release clause, but rather for a smaller amount. Napoli will have to evaluate the pros and cons.”

Osimhen, regarded as one of the world’s top strikers, has netted 76 goals in 133 appearances for Napoli since his €70 million transfer from Lille in 2020. His impressive record includes 31 goals in 39 games two seasons ago, which was pivotal in Napoli securing their first Serie A title in 33 years.

While Napoli are reluctant to lose their star player, they have indicated a readiness to sell if their revised valuation is met. Arsenal, however, is reportedly aiming for a deal closer to €100 million (£84.3 million).



Source: Now Arsenal