Aurelio De Laurentiis reveals that Chelsea target Victor Osimhen is set to sign new deal with Napoli. (imago Images)
As quoted by Metro, Napoli president Aurelio de Laurentiis has come out with a clear message that Chelsea and Manchester United target Victor Osimhen is not for sale.
A few days ago, it was reported in the Mirror that Chelsea are determined to beat Manchester United for the former Lille striker. Paris-Saint Germain are also in the race. It was also revealed that Napoli would want around £100m for the player.
Osimhen has been in tremendous form for the Serie A leaders this season. He has scored 17 goals and assisted four in 21 appearances in all competitions. He, along with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is the main reason why the Italian side are one of the in-form teams in Europe.
Here’s what de Laurentiis said regarding the future of Napoli’s star striker (h/t Metro):
“I can tell you that Osimhen is not for sale.
“Our players are in demand, but I don’t have to sell anyone.
“We don’t have any debt.”
What this quote tells us is that Napoli are under no financial stress to sell one of their assets in the summer. In fact, should they win the league, which they should be considering their league position, the financial income from that and the Champions League money will only strengthen their books.
If that is the case, then the likes of Chelsea, United and PSG have their work cut out to convince the player to leave a club on the rise to sign for them instead.
The only chink in the armour is that the 24-year-old’s contract with Napoli runs until the summer of 2025 (Transfermarkt). So, at the end of this season, he will enter the final 24 months of his deal with the Italian side.
If the Serie A leaders do not manage to extend his deal next season, he could be an option for the clubs in 2024 at a cheaper price compared to what is quoted now.
Other than the price and what de Laurentiis said, it seems tough to think that Osimhen will leave Napoli weeks after leading them to a Scudetto. He would want to spend one more season with them at the least and help them defend that title.
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