Aurelio de Laurentiis, president of Napoli, has insisted that Victor Osimhen, a Nigerian international, is not for sale, despite reports that the striker might leave the club this summer.
This assertion was made by Laurentiis while providing an update on the future of the prolific striker. There are rumors that Manchester United are preparing a massive move for his talismanic frontman, and Laurentiis’s statement won’t be good news for Erik ten Hag.
Ten Hag is said to be torn between signing Osimhen or Harry Kane at the end of the season, when he wants to bring in a new big-name No. 9 player.
However, the stern De Laurentiis, who wants Napoli to keep building for the future as they close in on the Serie A title, may now force his hand.
The Italian told Bild, “I can tell you that Osimhen is not for sale,” when he was asked about Manchester United’s interest in Osimhen.
Our players are in high demand, but I am not required to sell any of them. We don’t owe anything.”
Since Osimhen’s current contract will not expire until the summer of 2025, Napoli will have complete control in the event that they are offered the Capocannoniere winner for this season.
With 16 goals in 17 appearances for the Partenopei, the former Lille attacker currently leads the goal scoring charts in Italy.
After being informed in no uncertain terms that Osimhen will not be for sale this summer, United may be forced to look into other striker targets.
The Nigerian is also said to be on Chelsea’s radar, but there is a good chance that he will stay at Napoli, where he is playing his best football of his career.
