Napoli president Aurelio de Laurentiis has said that Nigerian football star, Victor Osimhen, is going nowhere unless a ‘more than indecent’ offer arrives for him.
Osimhen attracted widespread transfer interest following an outstanding season with Napoli. The Nigerian international scored 26 goals in 32 Serie A appearances as Luciano Spalletti’s side won its first league title since 1990.
However, an asking price of around £150 million has stunned suitors.
Manchester United were one of several top clubs to have held an interest in the 24-year-old, with manager Erik ten Hag desperate to add more goals to his squad. However, the Dutchman seems to have moved on quickly after learning of Napoli’s £100 million-plus price-tag.
With their financial restrictions, such a price would be out of the question for Manchester United. Other heavyweights such as PSG, Chelsea, and Liverpool are also said to be competing for his priced signature.
While Osimhen has just two more years on his contract with Napoli, the club’s President De Laurentiis has remained stubborn in refusing to entertain any offers and has maintained his stance.
Speaking at the launch of Napoli’s new kit, the club president said;
‘Osimhen will absolutely wear this new jersey. If a more than indecent offer were to come in, then we’d get over it and would be able to find other talents. Don’t worry, here there is the Azzurri passion that enflames our hearts.’
Osimhen had also made it clear that he is happy at Napoli after they won the Serie A title last season in style. He told Soccernet;
‘I have never seen a city crazier about football like the way the Neapolitans are.
‘They show all their players love. And wherever I go to, I am being respected. Kids love me, a lot of people admire me, they idolize me by putting on the replica of my mask.
‘It shows the hard work I have given to them and what I mean to them. And for me, there’s no better place to be than this place.
‘I am so happy I made the right choice by coming here. And achieving this kind of greatness with the Neapolitans is something that I will wake up and always smile about.
‘My children’s children will come into this world and realise that their father has done something amazing.’