Former Italy U-21 and Napoli forward, Antonio Floro Flores, has thrown a huge shade to Manchester United-linked Super Eagles forward, Victor Osimhen, Soccernet.ng reports.
Osimhen joined Napoli in 2020, and helped them win the Scudetto three years later – their first in over three decades.
However, the 26-year-old forward has his sights set on life away from Naples, but his approach to wanting to leave the club has angered several of the club's fans, Flores included.
The one-time CAF Player of the Year Award winner is a wanted asset, and has been linked with many of Europe's biggest clubs, including Manchester United and even Premier League winners, Liverpool, who were recently reported to have offered Napoli two players in part exchange. He's already declined several offers from Saudi Pro League side, Al-Hilal.
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Flores compares Osimhen to De Bruyne
Former Manchester City midfielder, Kevin De Bruyne, had offers from the Saudi Pro League after his exit from the Etihad Stadium was confirmed, but he chose to remain in Europe, penning a two-year deal with Napoli.
BREAKING: Kevin De Bruyne to Napoli, here we go! Final green light arrives from Belgian star to join Italian champions.
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This signified top-level hunger to Flores, who made a bold claim about Osimhen, stating Napoli made him who he is, and questioned if he had the same desire to make it to football's apex.
“We didn't discover hot water in De Bruyne. He could have gone to Saudi Arabia to take in lots of money, but instead, he chose Italy because he's still hungry, still stiumalted.
“He can bring a lot of experience to Napoli as a football club. He is an ambitious guy as Conte is,” the 42-year-old said in an interview with Kiss Kiss Napoli.
“Osimhen? He has to go to Saudi Arabia. I'm tired of talking about him. I get annoyed talking about a mediocre footballer. He only did well for one year,” Flores continued.
“We're talking about a character that bothers me. A man that leaves a city that made him what he his.”
“Not even his mother knew him, and yet, he allowed himself to remove the Napoli shirts from his intagram profile.
“If I was his agent, I'd take him to Saudi Arabia. I don't think he knows this, but he's not a champion.
“He's not De Bruyne it's about the story. Look at Fabio Quagliarella, see how many seasons he did in the Serie A and Serie B, that tells you what a footballer he is,” the-ex-Sassuolo forward concluded.
Although Okan Buruk's side want to keep him permanently, his wages prove to be a hurdle, especially with Al-Hilal said to be ready to offer him a €40m annual salary.
Osimhen has rejected Al-Hilal twice, but the Riyadh outfit are hopeful of changing his mind with a revised offer, according to Corriere dello Sport.
Do Manchester United need Victor Osimhen?
United need a new No 9 this summer, without doubt.
Bruno Fernandes was the Red Devils' leading scorer in the Premier League last season with just eight goals.
Meanwhile, United's two main central strikers, Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee, managed just seven goals between them.
Osimhen would be a major upgrade on Ruben Amorim's current options and his arrival would provide a huge boost to a team that averaged just 1.16 goals per game last season — fewer than the likes of Wolves, West Ham, Crystal Palace, Everton, Fulham and Brentford.
As acknowledged by the Manchester Evening News earlier today, United continue to be linked with Osimhen but he is a player with many options.
However, Osimhen's international manager, Nigeria boss Eric Chelle, recently mentioned United when discussing his star striker's future with BBC Sport.
“Victor is, for me, the best striker in the world,” Chelle said. “For him it is difficult to come for this game because he played a season with a lot of pressure.
“The reality is there is a transfer window. During this time, a player like him is not focused at 100%.
“I need to protect him physically and mentally, because maybe he will go [and get a transfer move].
“Maybe a club like Manchester United. Or maybe Chelsea, Barcelona or Real Madrid. So he needs to be focused on that.”
