“Good-bye fans”: The £86 million striker bids farewell to teammates and club supporters as he includes a clause to be able to join Arsenal in the summer
Arsenal target Victor Osimhen finally signed a contract extension with Napoli, but that doesn’t mean the rumours around him will end.
The latest claims on this operation are brought by Rai journalist Ciro Venerato. Quoted by Area Napoli, he claims that the even though the striker agreed terms for the renewal, his exit from the Serie A side is still planned, as there’s now a price for him to leave the club.
“All that’s missing is the announcement and the definition of the details, but we’re now there: the renewal of Victor Osimhen It seems like a done deal,” said Venerato.
“The last obstacle was the termination clause of the contract, now outdated: €130m is the right figure, but it cannot be ruled out that it could be €140m if clubs with high turnover approached him.”The journalist also pointed out a couple of clubs who are interested in signing Osimhen, and Arsenal are once again named as one of the potential destinations for the striker.
“The Nigerian will be linked to the Italian champions until 2026, extending by just one year. In fact it is a planned farewell, a gentleman’s agreement to part ways without rancour. Osimhen will have a salary of €10m. A bonus is also expected upon signing. Arsenal have already sounded out agent Calenda, Chelsea are also on his trail.”
Regarding Osimhen’s future, his agent Calenda expressed his satisfaction with the player’s current situation at Napoli and said that his client is determined to help Napoli win more trophies this season.
Calenda told Corriere dello Sport via Football Italia: “Victor is doing very well at Napoli and wants to take the team as high as possible. He has always said this and supported it on the pitch. We have just completed a historic deal in the history of Italian football. Let’s enjoy it.”
Despite tempting offers from top clubs, the agent reiterated Osimhen’s desire to stay in Naples and stressed their proactive approach to securing an extension.
“I represent Victor and I want the best for him. We have both wanted an extension since last summer. Last summer there were many offers, some monstrous, but De Laurentiis wanted to keep Victor and we made ourselves available. If we had wanted to leave, we would have said so. Instead, we made a lot of effort to get the extension through. Next summer will be the same,” Calenda confirmed.
Although Victor Osimhen has struggled with injuries this season, which has limited his appearances, his impact is still clear as he has scored seven goals and two assists in 11 Serie A games for Napoli.
Osimhen is currently valued by Transfermarkt at €120m, and given the many statements made by Napoli president Aurelio De Laureentis, it’s clear that the Serie A side want a high amount to let him go. That’s why it wouldn’t be crazy to say that his release clause will be his price tag in upcoming transfer windows.
As Arsenal keep showing up as a contender, we’ll see if the Gunners would spend that much on a signing.
