Osimhen snubs Al Ahli’s millions

Chelsea and Arsenal’s quest to sign Victor Osimhen received a huge boost on Monday after the Napoli forward turned down offers from Saudi suitors.

Reports out of Italy on Monday morning claimed Napoli were mulling over a £60million offer from Al Ahli as they look to cash in on the Nigerian striker, with new coach Antonio Conte wanting Romelu Lukaku as his replacement.

It was previously reported that Osimhen has no interest in a move to the Middle East and the 25-year-old’s agent, Roberto Calenda, posted a statement on X indicating that they will reject this new approach while criticising Napoli’s handling of the situation.

It read: “Osimhen is a Napoli player, with a contract recently renewed with mutual satisfaction. He made history and when there were major offers (also this year) we always accepted the club’s decisions.

“As I said, he is not a package to be shipped far away to make room for new prophets.

“Victor was elected African footballer of the year, eighth at the Ballon d’Or, he still has so much to do in Europe. There needs to be respect and balance.”

Napoli inserted a £109m release clause in Osimhen’s contract when extending his deal in December of last year, but no club has come forward to pay it despite their interest in selling.

Arsenal reportedly want a new forward before Friday’s transfer deadline but there are no indications that they have made an official bid.

Chelsea, meanwhile, are said to be in talks over a loan deal for Osimhen while being keen on sending Lukaku the other way.

Paris Saint-Germain have also been linked but look to have replaced Kylian Mbappe with £42m signing Desire Doue.