Victor Osimhen's pursuit received a huge boost from Manchester United and Chelsea?
Victor Osimhen, a highly sought-after striker, is expected to leave Napoli during the summer transfer window, it appears.
The Nigerian international has contributed significantly to the Partenopei's push for the Serie A championship this season, scoring 21 goals and dishing out five assists in 24 games.
In addition, Osimhen scored five goals in six Champions League matches for Luciano Spalletti's team, who were defeated by AC Milan earlier this week.
While Napoli has also reached a plateau at home, the Partenopei are still on track to win the Scudetto with 75 points after 30 games this season, in large part because of Osimhen's efforts.
Spalletti's champions-elect, though, appear to be facing an uphill battle to keep Osimhen as a number of elite European teams gear up for a fierce bidding war for his services.
The 24-year-old is reportedly one of Manchester United's and Chelsea's top attacking targets for the summer, with Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain also said to be interested.
Aurelio de Laurentiis, the president of Napoli, stated earlier this year that the Serie A leaders had no reason to trade Osimhen, who is still under contract with them for two more years.
However, according to a report from Corriere dello Sport, Napoli has given up on trying to keep Osimhen at the team and won't stop him from departing if a strong offer is put up.
However, Napoli will undoubtedly demand an outrageous sum of money before agreeing to let their star striker depart, so prospective buyers could anticipate receiving a bid of at least £100 million for his services before the 2023–24 season.
However, with nine-figure offers anticipated from a number of clubs, Napoli's top brass are reportedly already searching the market for replacements, including Tammy Abraham of Roma.
Rasmus Hojlund of Atalanta BC and Victor Boniface of Union SG are reportedly also on the Partenopei's radar, despite the fact that the former is also desired by Manchester United.
Osimhen was purchased by Napoli for £66.9 million from Lille in 2020, and the Italian club can anticipate making a large profit on the Nigerian international, who may demand as much as £150 million to go.
The former Wolfsburg forward leads nearest rival Lautaro Martinez (14) by seven goals in the battle for the Serie A Golden Boot with 54 goals and 14 assists in 93 games for Napoli in all competitions.
Chelsea would appear to be at an instant disadvantage in discussions for Osimhen's signature with all of Man United, Bayern, and PSG on track to qualify for the 2023–24 Champions League.
Even without the assurance of playing in the top division of European football, the Blues are reportedly still hopeful of signing the Nigerian.
