Napoli and Nigeria’s goal merchant Victor Osimhen’s future remains to be a mirage as the intent to lure the imposing centre forward away from Naples has gained momentum considering his red hot form this season. The Premier League looks likely to be his next destination, considering Newcastle United and Arsenal’s link in the €100m rated forward.
Newcastle are looking to revamp their squad following the £300million Saudi takeover. Since the change in ownership, they’ve made some impressive signings which show their level of ambition.
Kieran Trippier signed from Atletico Madrid (£12million), Chris Wood joined from Burnley for £25million, Dan Burn at £12million while Matt Targett’s signing has been reported to be made permanent in the summer, agreeing on a four-year deal worth around £15million.
The January acquisition of highly-rated Brazilian midfielder Bruno Guimaraes became one of the club’s most expensive signings worth a reported fee of £43million.
Despite Newcastle’s new-look side, the Premier League club is still in the hunt for a much younger striker with an incredible goal scoring record like Victor Osimhen.
Following a spectacular season with Ligue 1 side Lille OSC, the Nigerian forward moved to Napoli in 2020 for a club-record fee of £60million and since making his debut for Naples, he has registered an impressive total of 23 goals and seven assists in 54 appearances.
His goal and assist ratio (11goals 7 assists) in 20 appearances this season has shown how much the 23-yrs-old has developed his game.
Aubameyang’s unforeseen departure to Barcelona had already forced the Gunners to be linked with some strikers despite missing out on Vlahovic’s signature to Juventus.
Arsenal will most likely be without Eddie Nketiah and Alexandre Lacazette come next season as both players will be out-of-contract at the end of the season. Though Martinelli and Folarin Balogun had held the line on few occasions but a marque signing is expected during the summer transfer window and Victor Osimhen’s signing looks to be that perfect addition that fits into the club’s short and long-term plan.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Victor Osimhen is an energetic striker whose pace, trickery and tireless press has made him a nightmare to most defenders.
“He knows how to do it all,” former Napoli forward Careca, who teamed with Diego Maradona when the southern club won the last of its two Serie A titles in 1990, told Corriere della Sera.
“He moves well, he can leave space for his teammates and come in from out wide toward the goal. He’s never still and when he accelerates he leaves defenders grasping for air trying to follow him.”
Seeing all his attributes and room for improvement, the running for his signature could eventually lead to a tug-of-war between the Premier League sides and other potential suitors.
