By Songu Michael
Italian journalist Valter De Maggio has asserted that Nigerian international Victor Osimhen is contemplating a potential transfer to the Middle East in the upcoming transfer window, as reported by PUNCH Sports Extra.
Osimhen featured for Napoli on Sunday as the 2022/23 Serie A champions were held to a scoreless draw by Lecce in their final match of the 2023/24 season.
The Nigerian forward has been associated with a departure from Napoli, and the match against Lecce at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium on Sunday could potentially mark his final appearance for the Naples-based club. Osimhen made the switch to Napoli from Lille in the summer of 2020 for a club-record transfer fee of €70m, along with an additional €10m in bonuses. He has displayed exceptional form for the Parthenopeans over the past two seasons, leading them to their first Scudetto title in over three decades.
The Lagos-native striker concluded the 2022/23 season with 26 goals in the league and was honored as the league’s premier striker. Despite a lackluster season for Napoli, where they clinched only 13 victories, suffered 11 defeats, and settled for 14 draws, Osimhen still managed to maintain commendable statistics by scoring 15 goals and providing three assists in 25 league appearances.
Osimhen has emerged as one of the most coveted forwards in Europe, with reported interest from clubs such as Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United, and Liverpool, among others. However, De Maggio highlighted on Radio Kiss Kiss Napoli that Osimhen’s inclination is towards a move to Arsenal over other suitors. Nevertheless, his substantial €130m release clause could pose a challenge for the Gunners, potentially leading Osimhen to explore a transfer to the Middle East if Arsenal fails to make a bid.
“Osimhen desires the Premier League; in the absence of a suitable offer, he may contemplate an opportunity in the Arab region. No club is currently willing to meet the release clause. Osimhen has a preference for Arsenal; otherwise, he would consider Saudi Arabia,” De Maggio revealed. Following the conclusion of the 2023/24 season, Osimhen is presently on a break and is scheduled to join the Eagles squad when the training camp commences in preparation for their 2026 World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and the Benin Republic next month.
