Napoli’s sporting director, Giovanni Manna, has confirmed that Victor Osimhen has a release clause in his contract, with the club determined to resolve his future swiftly. With Chelsea, Arsenal, and Manchester United showing strong interest, Napoli is working behind the scenes to avoid a repeat of last summer’s stalled transfer,
Napoli’s Transfer Stand: Learning from Last Summer’s Saga
Osimhen, 25, is currently on loan at Galatasaray after a failed permanent transfer last year. Despite speculation, his exit from Napoli at the end of the season seems inevitable.
While Speaking to Sky Sport Italia, Manna acknowledged the growing transfer buzz surrounding Osimhen and emphasized Napoli’s proactive approach this time.
“Victor is always going to be a hotly-debated topic, not just in the transfer market,”
Manna said.
“He is an attractive player for clubs. Everyone knows he has a release clause, and we are working to find a solution quickly to avoid what happened last year.”
Last summer, Napoli set Osimhen’s release clause at €110 million, but no club met the asking price, leaving the striker in limbo. This time, Napoli is eager to act fast.
Chelsea’s Near Miss & Galatasaray’s Surprise Coup
Chelsea came close to signing Osimhen on transfer deadline day, but negotiations collapsed due to salary disagreements. Galatasaray capitalized on the situation, securing him on loan, where he has since flourished.
The Nigerian forward has been in red-hot form in Turkey, racking up 25 goals and assists across all competitions. His performances have made him a fan favorite, and Galatasaray has pushed to keep him beyond the summer. However, their attempts, including a January bid, were swiftly rejected.
Premier League Calling? Chelsea, Arsenal & Others in the Race
Despite his admiration for Galatasaray, Osimhen is believed to prefer a move to one of Europe’s top clubs. While Juventus has been linked as a potential Serie A destination to replace Dusan Vlahovic, the Premier League appears to be his most likely next step.
Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester United, Newcastle, and Liverpool are all reportedly monitoring the situation. However, Chelsea seems to be leading the race, especially with club legends John Obi Mikel and Didier Drogba actively persuading Osimhen to make Stamford Bridge his next home.
Financial Hurdles: Who Can Afford Osimhen?
Osimhen’s future ultimately hinges on financial negotiations. The Nigerian striker earns approximately €250,000 per week before tax, a salary that only a handful of clubs can afford.
A key factor in this summer’s transfer battle is Osimhen’s release clause, which is expected to drop from €110 million to around €75 million. With a lower asking price, competition for his signature will only intensify, as Chelsea, Arsenal, and Manchester United prepare to test Napoli’s resolve.
With the summer window fast approaching, Osimhen’s next move remains one of the hottest talking points in European football. Will the Nigerian finally secure his dream move, or will another twist keep him in limbo?
