Nigerian international Victor Osimhen could still end up in the Premier League next season as the striker’s future is once again in doubt.
The Nigeria international went from being linked with big-money moves to the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain in the summer to joining Turkish giants Galatasaray on a season-long loan. With eight goals from nine matches in all competitions, Osimhen is on fire in Turkey and the Istanbul club reportedly want to sign him on a permanent basis.
That will be a tall order, however, as Napoli are demanding a transfer fee of around €75 million (£63m/$79m) for the 25-year-old, La Gazzetta dello Sport reports, which is too much for Galatasaray. The Super Lig champions will attempt to talk Napoli down to a lower price as Osimhen has reportedly suggested he would like to stay beyond this season.
“I’m happy here,” he told club media recently. “I’ve seen what a great family the club is and that they are behaving very well. I’m satisfied with the choice and I don’t intend to move until June. I’ll stay here until the end of the season.”
The uncertainty over Osimhen’s future could hand the advantage to Premier League teams still interested in landing the star, who scored 26 goals to fire Napoli to the Serie A title in 2022-23 campaign. He followed that up with an impressive 15 in 25 games as they ended up as low as 10th in the table at the end of the following season.
United, Chelsea and Arsenal will be on alert regarding Osimhen as all three may look to strengthen their frontlines in the summer transfer window