Victor Osimhen’s future at Napoli has been thrown into uncertainty following the club’s €30m agreement with Chelsea to sign Romelu Lukaku.
The move has dealt a significant blow to Osimhen’s prospects of staying at the Partenopei, with suitors hesitant to meet his €130 release clause.
Despite his impressive performance in the 2023/24 season, Osimhen’s options are dwindling. PSG, Chelsea, and Manchester United have all expressed interest, but none have made a concrete offer. Chelsea, who remain his only Premier League suitor, prefer a loan deal, which Osimhen’s camp has rejected.
Arsenal, who had been linked with Osimhen, have ruled out a move, with manager Mikel Arteta stating, “We have some great strikers… We fully trust our players. We want to get better for sure, and we will try, but we are going to try with the players that are already with us.”
With his Napoli fate sealed, Osimhen may consider a move to the Saudi Pro League, where several clubs, including Al Qadsiah, Al Ahli, and Al Hilal, are eager to sign him. Napoli’s desperation to replace Osimhen has led them to pay €30m for Lukaku, a move that has raised eyebrows given the club’s usual transfer policy.
The signing of Lukaku is seen as a boost to the team after a disappointing 3-0 loss to Hellas Verona in their opening Serie A game. However, it has left Osimhen’s future uncertain, with just seven days remaining in the transfer window.
