The Nigerian striker has been the Partenopeans’ lynchpin in the last two seasons, and he has drawn attention from the biggest teams in Europe
Nigerian journalist Oma Akatugba has revealed that Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen would command a huge price when he eventually decided to leave Napoli.
Osimhen is currently one of the hottest young strikers in the world. The 23-year-old arrived in Naples two years ago but he struggled to hit the ground running in his first season, which was plagued with injuries.
However, Osimhen came into his own last season. Short injury spells restrained him from reaching his full potential. Still, the Nigerian hitman established himself as a key component in coach Luciano Spalletti’s setup, scoring 14 goals and assisting five in 27 league appearances.
This season, Osimhen has continued with his brilliance, scoring four goals and assisting one in eight appearances across all competitions.
Manchester United, Newcastle, and Arsenal were keen on signing the former Lille man, but Napoli’s €120million-valuation scared off suitors.
With what Osimhen has shown this season, Europe’s big boys will still come calling this summer. But Osimhen’s friend Akatugba has revealed that the Nigerian is very comfortable in Naples at the moment and is unwilling to leave without making history.
Akatugba says that if Osimhen eventually leaves, he would leave for a price that would make Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis very happy.
“Osimhen wants to win at Napoli and do everything possible to bring trophies to Napoli, writing his name in the history of the Azzurri,” Akatugba told Calciomercato.it.
“Clearly, Victor attracts big European clubs, as happened for Lavezzi or Cavani. He has never expressed an interest in leaving, not even when Manchester United arrived.
“When he leaves, they will all be happy because there will be a lot of money in De Laurentiis’ account.”
Osimhen has a great shot at rewriting history this season. Napoli have not won the Serie A since Diego Maradona led them to triumph in 1990.
This season, the Partenopeans have been a class apart from other Italian clubs, and they currently sit atop of the pack, two points clear of the rest. If they keep up their brilliant form, they could just be cruising to their first Scudetto in 32 years.