Although much has been made about the desire from Premier League clubs to capture his signature, reports in Italy suggest Victor Osimhen to Juventus could be a more likely transfer.
Victor Osimhen to Juventus Edges Closer to Reality
Juventus are expected to enter the transfer market this summer in search of inspiration in front of goal. Although loanee Randal Kolo Muani and Dusan Vlahovic are no doubt dangerous assets, neither have displayed the consistent goalscoring habits needed for Juve to mount a serious title challenge.
The latter is also widely expected to leave Turin this summer, with the Serbian being tracked by Arsenal amongst a host of interested suitors. Meanwhile, there is no guarantee Juve will keep Muani beyond this season, with reports in Italy and France suggesting he is closer to leaving than staying put.
Atalanta’s Serie A top scorer Mateo Retegui has already been heavily linked with a move, but Corriere dello Sport claim Galatasaray’s Victor Osimhen is above him on Juventus’ shortlist.
The Nigeria international’s acrimonious exit from Napoli last summer saw him attempt to force a move to a bigger club, but Gil Azzurri stood firm on their nine-figure estimation, which no team was prepared to meet.
Galatasaray spotted a unique market opportunity to bring him to the Turkish Super Lig on loan, where he has excelled in front of goal, scoring 33 in 37 appearances across all competitions.
However, the move was merely a stopgap to satisfy his desire to leave Napoli, which still very much remains the case. The club are also unwilling to welcome him back after the relationship broke down last season.
Osimhen’s release clause is set at €75m, although this is only valid for teams outside of Italy.
With Juventus unable to trigger that amount, the Biaconeri are prepared to table an €85m transfer bid to turn Napoli’s head.
With the knowledge that Osimhen wants to leave, Napoli are preparing for a raft of offers for the 26-year-old this summer.
Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal are widely expected to trigger his release clause, but are also hoping a lucrative personal package, potentially worth in excess of €30m per season in wages, could sway him.
