Napoli owner, De Laurentiis, breaks silence on Osimhen’s future

Napoli president, Aurelien De Laurentiis, has finally spoken about the future of Super Eagles and Galatasaray striker, Victor James Osimhen, amidst summer transfer talks, Soccernet.ng reports.

The Nigerian forward fell out with the Napoli board after he tried to force his way out of the club last summer. The revolt was fruitless as he remained at the club beyond his intended stay, only to join Galatasaray on loan.

Despite moving to the Turkish Super Lig side, interest in Osimhen hasn’t dipped. The 26-year-old has scored 29 goals and provided six assists for Okan Buruk’s side this season.

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The former LOSC Lille striker is entering the final phase of his loan spell at Galatasaray. It is unlikely that the Nigeria international will stay in Istanbul beyond the summer, with Die Partenopei looking to offload their wantaway star permanently.

Napoli’s domestic rivals, Juventus, have registered interest in Osimhen, but Aurelio De Laurentiis, the club’s owner, has no intention of letting his prized asset join the record Serie A champions.

Speaking on Radio Kiss kiss via Calciomercato, the Italian club owner made it clear Osimhen won’t be joining the Old Ladies.

“No! Never at Juventus,” De Laurentiis said.

Either way, Osimhen will leave Napoli this summer. Antonio Conte’s over-reliance on 32-year-old Romelu Lukaku has been evident this season, and Osimhen’s exit will free up funds for the 2023 Serie A winners to enter the market for another top-class forward.

Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea are the likely destinations for Victor Osimhen, but they’ll have to shelter his annual wage demands of about €10m.

“There are always rumors about me, but I live the moment. I’m enjoying all this now. The fans supported me in an incredible way. Not only me, but also my companions and my family. The best decision will be made for everyone, but Galatasaray will forever remain in my heart,” Osimhen previously said about his future.

It’ll be interesting to see where the prolific striker ends up during the summer. In the meantime, he’s focused on winning the Turkish Super Lig with Okan Buruk’s side.