Transfer Centre

Napoli president rules Chelsea, Manchester United out of Victor Osimhen race

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 11 July 2023

Napoli president rules Chelsea, Man United out of Osimhen race

Napoli president Aurelio de Laurentiis claims that neither Chelsea nor Manchester United can afford to sign Victor Osimhen this summer.

Napoli president Aurelio de Laurentiis has claimed that neither Chelsea nor Manchester United can afford to sign the Italian club's centre-forward Victor Osimhen during this summer's transfer window.

The Nigeria international was in excellent form for Napoli during the 2022-23 campaign, scoring 31 goals and registering five assists in 39 appearances in all competitions.

Osimhen netted 26 goals and registered five assists in 32 Serie A appearances, as the Blues won the title, while he also managed five goals in six Champions League appearances.

There has been widespread speculation surrounding his future during the summer window, with a number of major clubs believed to be interested in securing his signature.

Chelsea and Man United have been heavily linked with the 24-year-old, as both teams attempt to sign new centre-forwards during the summer market.

Napoli's Victor Osimhen applauds fans after the match on March 3, 2023 © Reuters

However, De Laurentiis has claimed that only Paris Saint-Germain could afford to sign the Nigerian during the summer market due to his substantial valuation.

The Napoli president has suggested that only offers in the region of €200m (£170m) would be considered by the Italian side.

"The only club that could afford Victor Osimhen is Paris Saint-Germain," De Laurentiis told Mediaset.

"If Nasser Al Khelaifi [PSG president] wants to send in a bid around €200m (£170m)... we wait and we see what happens. I personally think that Victor will stay here."

Victor Osimhen in action for Napoli on November 1, 2022 © Reuters

Osimhen made the move to Napoli from Lille in September 2020, and he has now represented the Italian side on 101 occasions, scoring 59 goals and registering 14 assists in the process.

Man United are working to bring in a centre-forward this summer, with Atalanta BC's Rasmus Hojlund thought to be their leading target at this moment in time.

A deal for Harry Kane is seen as almost impossible due to Tottenham Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy's reluctance to let the England captain move to a domestic rival.

Chelsea, meanwhile, have boosted their attack this summer with the arrivals of Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku, but at least one more forward is expected to arrive.

Napoli are in a strong position when it comes to Osimhen's future, with the Nigerian having another two years left to run on his contract at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.