Newcastle set to battle Chelsea for explosive Nigerian star who rejected Arsenal

Newcastle United are among the clubs monitoring Victor Osimhen’s situation, with Napoli ready to offload the Nigerian striker this summer, Soccernet.ng reports.

Osimhen, 26, remains one of Europe’s most in-demand forwards and is expected to seek a new challenge once his season-long loan at Galatasaray ends.

The Super Eagles star has been in prolific form in Turkey, scoring 17 goals in 22 appearances, and is on course to match his career-best tally of 31 goals from the 2022/23 season.

A couple of Saudi clubs and a host of Premier League clubs, including Chelsea, Arsenal, and Newcastle, are keeping a close eye on developments.

BREAKING: Napoli reach total agreement with Al Ahli for Victor Osimhen!

Club to club deal done for €75/80m total package, Al Ahli have already booked a medical.

Four year contract worth €25/30m per season net to Osimhen + RELEASE clause.

Final green light up to Victor. pic.twitter.com/EEAm9mdtgJ

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 30, 2024

Mikel Arteta’s title challengers, keen to strengthen their attack following Kai Havertz’s inconsistent displays, have a long-standing interest in Osimhen.

The Gunners previously tried to sign Osimhen in 2016 after he excelled at the FIFA U17 World Cup but were unsuccessful, losing out to Wolfsburg.

In 2019, Victor Osimhen revealed why he once chose Wolfsburg over Barcelona, Inter Milan, Athletico Madrid, Arsenal, Ajax and Spartak Moscow pic.twitter.com/l31GSCjirF

— @ (@OneJoblessBoy) February 17, 2023

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Interestingly, Newcastle's pursuit of Osimhen could indirectly benefit Arsenal, as it may open the door for the Magpies' star forward, Alexander Isak, to leave St James’ Park.

The 25-year-old Swedish striker has been in electric form, netting 19 goals in 27 games this season. However, Newcastle’s £150m valuation could be a significant hurdle for Arsenal’s hopes of securing him.

Napoli, who acquired Romelu Lukaku last summer, have no interest in retaining Osimhen and are eager to cash in.

Last summer, Newcastle were invited to sign the Nigerian but were deterred by his hefty £113m price tag. However, with his release clause now dropping to around £60m, interest from Premier League clubs has reignited.

According to The Chronicle, Newcastle are seriously considering Osimhen as a summer target. While there is no direct suggestion he would be a replacement for Isak, his arrival would provide Eddie Howe with additional firepower if the Swede were to depart.

One potential obstacle for Newcastle could be Osimhen’s wages.

During his Napoli days, the striker earned over £200,000 per week, although that figure has reportedly dropped to around £110,000 at Galatasaray. The Turkish giants are keen to keep the Nigerian star, but financial constraints make a permanent move unlikely.

Arsenal, Manchester United, and Chelsea have all monitored Osimhen closely, with scouts particularly impressed by his performances in the Europa League. With the summer transfer window approaching, the battle for his signature is set to intensify.