Super Eagles and Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen has sent out a message to Atletico Madrid and Barcelona as both sides look to go all out for the Nigerian during the summer transfer window, Soccernet.ng reports.
This comes after the 27-year-old acknowledged he's one of the top three strikers in the world. While it might look like a bluff, the ex-Napoli man does have the numbers to back it up.
Osimhen has scored 52 goals and provided 10 assists in 64 games for Galatasaray, and former Arsenal forward Thierry Henry has urged Barcelona to break the bank for him.
“Barcelona need a real number 9. A top-level striker,” the French World Cup winner said
“I am referring to formidable scorers such as Victor Osimhen, Erling Haaland or Harry Kane. Proven finishers, not prospects.”
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Victor Osimhen responds to Barcelona, Atletico Madrid interest
Real Madrid registered interest in Osimhen earlier in the season due to Vinicius Jr's contract issues, but it appears all have been resolved since Xabi Alonso left the club.
While the waters have cooled at the Santiago Bernabeu, Atletico Madrid are keen on the Nigerian, especially since Julian Alvarez is eyeing a Premier League return.
Barcelona are expected to make a big-money move in the summer as well. Robert Lewandowski is in the final months of his contract, and Ferran Torres hasn't proven himself to be a reliable option in attack for Hansi Flick's side.
While interest in Osimhen is high, it'll take an insurmountable offer to draw the striker away from the love of the Galatasaray fans.
As per Turkish outlet Elipshaber, the striker's party are very comfortable with life at the RAMS Park, and are not considering a move at the moment.
According to the report, Osimhen is committed to helping Galatasaray go as far in the UEFA Champions League by scoring as many goals while winning domestic titles on the side.
Atletico Madrid's financial problems
Spanish outlet Fichajes reports that Diego Simeone is keen on bringing Osimhen to the Riyadh Air Metropolitano.
Osimhen earns around 14 million euros annually, a figure completely outside the salary scale of Atlético. As such, Los Rojiblancos cannot commit to such a cause without breaking their wage structure.
Therein lies the dilemma, as Atletico's wage structure is one that was introduced to secure the financial future of the club after past deals didn't yield dividends.
For the signing to be viable, the ex-LOSC Lille striker would have to significantly reduce his wages. Without that gesture, negotiations will not move forward.
In the meantime, Osimhen aims to help Galatasaray into the UEFA Champions League round of sixteen by securing a victory against Juventus in Turin next week.
