Victor Osimhen is set to sign a new contract with Napoli which will include a release clause worth at least €130 million (£112m),
according to reports in Italy.
The 24-year-old has scored 66 goals in 116 appearances for
Napoli after joining in a €81.3 million (£69.5m) deal from Lille in 2020.
Osimhen, who played a key role in Napoli’s Serie A title
success last season, has attracted interest interest from multiple Premier
League clubs in the past 12 months including Manchester United, Chelsea and
Arsenal.
It’s understood that both Chelsea and Arsenal have explored
the possibility of signing the Nigeria international in the upcoming January
transfer window.
However, Sky Sport Italia reports that Osimhen has now agreed
a deal in principle to extend his contract with Napoli.
It’s reported that as part of his new contract, Osimhen will
have a release clause which is worth between €130m (£112m) and €140m (£120m).
Last month, Osimhen was a guest on John Obi Mikel’s podcast
and while he was not directly asked about joining Chelsea or Arsenal, the
Napoli striker made it clear that he would only move to another European club
after he turned down an offer to sign for Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal in the
summer.
Asked if he wants to continue playing in Europe, Osimhen
said: ‘Of course.
‘What was said was true, I had talks, in August that week was
a huge one, a huge decision for me to take, but I actually put it in God’s
hands.
‘But the more I said no to these people [in Saudi Arabia] the
more they increased it and increased it, it was literally like, ‘wow’, seeing
these things.
I spoke with the people in charge and we spoke about it with
my club and we saw what we could do, we decided, me and them and I told them,
‘I like these people, I want to stay, I don’t think I want to leave for now’.
They understand where I’m coming from but they never gave up until their own
transfer window [closed].
‘I said to them even before we played the first game of the
season, ‘it’s done’, I really didn’t want to go back thinking, of course it’s a
huge one, an amazing one that’s going to change my life but of course I had to
make the decision that’s good for my career too.
As much as we play football for money there’s more that comes
with it.’
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