Napoli has reportedly established a firm asking price for their prolific forward, Victor Osimhen, amid ongoing links with Chelsea and other potential suitors. Since his arrival in Naples in 2020, Osimhen has enjoyed a stellar tenure, netting 65 goals and providing 16 assists in 112 appearances across all competitions.
The highlight of Osimhen’s time at Napoli was the 2022-23 Serie A title-winning campaign, breaking a more than three-decade-long wait for the coveted trophy. However, with a change in managerial leadership and Napoli currently trailing eight points behind Inter Milan in the standings, a different atmosphere surrounds Stadio Diego Armando Maradona this season.
Osimhen, despite maintaining his impact on the pitch, has become a subject of continuous transfer speculation and has faced public scrutiny from the club’s social media team in recent times. With just over 19 months left on his contract, the club faces a crucial decision regarding the player’s future amid apparent difficulties in negotiations.
Although Osimhen has displayed little interest in contract renewal, Napoli President Aurelio De Laurentiis is adopting a tough stance on a potential sale. Insisting on making a profit on the €80m invested in Osimhen over three years ago, De Laurentiis is reportedly demanding a staggering €150m (£130.06m) for the 24-year-old.
Clubs like Chelsea and Arsenal, both rumored admirers of Osimhen, have long been aware that acquiring his services would require a fee surpassing the initial €80m. However, the heightened asking price presents a significant challenge, especially for Chelsea, who are reportedly planning a move in the upcoming January transfer window.
Chelsea’s co-owners, Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital, face financial constraints due to FFP (Financial Fair Play) restrictions, unless they offload players to offset the substantial fee. Arsenal, on the other hand, may find themselves automatically ruled out due to their reported prioritization of other positions in the early months of 2024.
Napoli’s bargaining position, while currently robust with their high asking price, could weaken significantly if Osimhen enters the next summer without agreeing to a contract renewal. As the transfer saga unfolds, the football world awaits to see how potential suitors respond to Napoli’s formidable financial demands for their star striker.
