The race for Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen’s signature is heating up as Premier League powerhouses Newcastle United and Chelsea are reportedly set to clash for the explosive forward this summer.
Osimhen, currently on loan at Galatasaray from Napoli, has been in scintillating form, reigniting the interest of top clubs across Europe.
The 26-year-old has bagged an impressive 17 goals in 22 appearances for the Turkish club, nearing his career-best tally of 31 goals achieved during the 2022/23 season.
This prolific form has made him one of the most sought-after strikers in world football, with several clubs, including Arsenal, Chelsea, and Newcastle, closely monitoring his situation.
Arsenal’s interest in Osimhen dates back to 2016, when they attempted to sign him after his standout performance at the FIFA U17 World Cup.
However, they were unsuccessful, with the young striker ultimately choosing Wolfsburg. Now, the Gunners are once again in the fray, eager to bolster their attack following Kai Havertz’s inconsistent performances.
Newcastle United’s pursuit of Osimhen could have a ripple effect on the transfer market.
The Magpies’ interest in the Nigerian could potentially pave the way for their star striker, Alexander Isak, to depart St James’ Park. Isak, 25, has also been in exceptional form this season, scoring 19 goals in 27 games.
However, Newcastle’s hefty £150m valuation of the Swedish striker could prove a stumbling block for Arsenal, who are also reportedly interested in Isak.
Napoli, who signed Romelu Lukaku last summer, are reportedly keen to offload Osimhen and capitalize on his rising value.
Last summer, Newcastle were deterred by Napoli’s £113m asking price. However, with his release clause now reportedly lowered to around £60m, the Premier League clubs have renewed their interest.
According to The Chronicle, Newcastle are seriously considering Osimhen as a summer target. While it’s unclear if he’s a direct replacement for Isak, his arrival would undoubtedly provide manager Eddie Howe with significant firepower, especially if Isak were to leave.
One potential hurdle for Newcastle could be Osimhen’s wage demands. During his time at Napoli, he earned over £200,000 per week, although that figure has reportedly decreased to around £110,000 at Galatasaray.
While the Turkish club are interested in retaining him, financial constraints make a permanent transfer unlikely.
Arsenal, Manchester United, and Chelsea have all had scouts monitoring Osimhen’s performances, particularly in the Europa League.
