UK: 18+ USA: 21+ | Begambleaware.org | T&Cs apply | Play Responsibly
Atletico Madrid are reportedly in strong contention to sign Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, with the Spanish giants set to compete with Manchester United and Chelsea for the player this summer.
The 24-year-old has been in outstanding form for his Italian side in 2022-23, scoring 21 goals and registering four assists in 25 matches across all competitions.
Osimhen Outstanding in Serie A
Osimhen has scored 19 goals and provided four assists in 20 Serie A outings for the Blues, who are presently 18 points ahead of Inter Milan in second place.
The Nigerian international has also scored twice in the Champions League this season. Luciano Spalletti’s side is now in the round of 16, having defeated Eintracht Frankfurt 2-0 in the first leg of their last-eight tie last week. Osimhen was the scorer in Germany.
Man United and Chelsea continue to be extensively connected with the forward, who is estimated to be valued by his Italian side in the region of €120m (£106m).
According to Fichajes, Atletico Madrid is also interested in signing the Nigerian, and the Red and Whites are keen to win the race for his signature this summer.
The source indicates that Joao Felix, who is presently on loan at Chelsea, could leave for good this summer, generating the finances necessary to sign Osimhen.
Atletico Madrid indicated in July 2019 with their £113 million purchase of Felix that they are willing to spend large on the right player, positioning them to compete for Osimhen’s signature.
To have a chance of signing the forward, Diego Simeone’s squad must qualify for the Champions League next season. They are presently fourth in La Liga with 42 points, two points ahead of fifth-placed Real Betis.
Osimhen has recorded 49 goals and 13 assists in 87 games for Napoli since joining the Serie A club in the summer of 2020 from Lille.
Osimhen Refused to Rule Out Summer Move
In a recent interview with ESPN, the attacker did not rule out a possible transfer in the near future.
“When you are doing so well, top clubs around the world are watching, mostly in the top-five leagues. And to be able to attract interest from these top clubs shows that I am doing great and it gives me the motivation to do even more for myself and my team,” he said.
“But I am focused on Napoli right now and they have the final say. I just want to help my team to win matches and win trophies. At the end of the season, we will see what is going to happen, but that is not up to me. It is for the club to decide.”
Recently, Napoli president Aurelio de Laurentiis told Bild: “I can confirm that Osimhen is not available for sale. Our players are in demand, but I have no obligation to sell any of them.”
“We have no outstanding bills,” the club president added, seemingly determined to silence all talk of his club’s star man departing after this season.
It is reported that the Italian club is preparing for summer offers for the former Wolfsburg youth player, who is under contract at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona until June 2025.
Subscribe to Punditfeed on Google News for all the latest updates from the world of sports!
