Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen once again returns to the radar of English side Arsenal, Nigeriasoccernet.com gathers.
Despite recent controversies surrounding his outburst with former Super Eagles coach, Finidi George, the €120 rated Napoli talisman have been liked with a move away from Italy and with leading bids for his signature coming from Saudi Arabia, it is uncertain where he will be playing his football next season after he refused to look into the Saudi project, believing he still has a lot to offer in Europe.
Recent reports suggest Arsenal in their bid to strenghten their attack going forward have approached Napoli for the player's signature, although below the club's valuation of him.
They are only willing to bid €75m (£63m) for Victor Osimhen, according to journalist Valter De Maggio.
Speaking on Radio Kiss Kiss (quotes via CalcioNapoli24.it), De Maggio said that the only significant proposal so far has come from Saudi Arabia, while the Gunners are not prepared to match the Nigerian’s €120m (£101m) release clause.
“From what we understand, despite the monstrous offer from the Arab league, Victor [Osimhen] does not want to go to Saudi Arabia and Arsenal don’t value him at 120 million euros, but rather just over half, 75 million euros.”
The substantial gap between the two clubs means a deal for Osimhen seems unrealistic at this stage unless Napoli decide to lower their demands. The Gunners are not prepared to break their transfer record for a second successive summer in order to recruit the forward. One of the main reasons for that is because they are restricted in what they can do due to the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability rules.
They were hoping to land Benjamin Sesko by paying his €65m (£55m) buyout clause so it tracks that they wouldn’t be able to pay that much more for Osimhen.
Oluwayemi Omolagba