Super Eagles star Victor Osimhen is set to meet with Napoli manager Antonio Conte to decide on the striker's future.
The striker is one of Europe's most highly-rated players, especially after netting 31 goals and providing five assists for the Serie A side during the 2022/23 season—a campaign that culminated in their first Scudetto win since 1990.
Although he wasn't as prolific in the 2023/24 season, partly due to a hamstring injury and his participation in the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with Nigeria, Osimhen still managed 17 goals and four assists in 32 appearances.
With the 25-year-old heavily linked to moves to Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), Chelsea, and Al-Hilal of Saudi Arabia, Italian media outlet Tuttomercato reports that Conte would like to meet with the Nigerian international to discuss his situation so he can plan for the upcoming football season.
Why Victor Osimhen might stay at Napoli for another season
Osimhen's contract with Napoli runs until 2026, and he has a release clause of €130 million (£109.7m). Per numerous reports, Napoli have not yet received any offers from clubs interested in the striker. This is largely due to his high release clause and Napoli's refusal to negotiate a lower fee or consider player-exchange deals to reduce the cost.
In response to Napoli's asking price, clubs are now exploring other options. Chelsea, for instance, have shifted their focus to Crystal Palace star Michael Olise and have allocated a budget of €35-45m (£29.5m-38m) for a striker—significantly less than Napoli's asking price. Chelsea have also been linked with Aston Villa’s Jhon Duran and Atletico Madrid’s Samu Omorodion.
Manchester United are reportedly monitoring Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee. Arsenal and PSG are also reportedly uninterested in pursuing Osimhen due to Napoli's stance.
Summarily, up to now, no club in the Premier League, across Europe, or even in Saudi Arabia is willing to pay €130m (£109.7m) for Osimhen. Consequently, his likelihood of remaining at Napoli is significant.
Things can change rapidly, but without a reduction in the Italian side's asking price, it will be challenging for the reigning CAF Player of the Year to leave.
