Napoli, Osimhen’s camp at war over Saudi club’s €65m offer

•  Nketia set to join Crystal Palace

Super Eagles’ striker, Victor Osimhen, reported move to Saudi Arabian club, Al Ahli, who have reached a €65 million agreement with Napoli, is threatened by the player’s agent’s refusal to accept the move.

According to European football transfer expert, Fabrizio Romano, the former Italian champions have concluded arrangements to let the striker, who led them to the Serie A title two years after a 30-year wait. Still, the snag is that Osimhen is demanding a heavy salary and a release clause, which would allow him to leave any time he wishes.

Napoli have already replaced Osimhen with Belgian Striker, Romelu Lukaku, with Manchester United’s forward, Scott Mc Tominay, also set to join the Italian team for a fee in the region of 30m euros.

Osimhen’s agent, Roberto Calenda, yesterday, told Napoli officials the Nigerian will not accept any move to the Saudi Pro League, either Al Ahli or any other side.

He said: “Osimhen is a Napoli player, with a contract recently renewed to our mutual satisfaction. He made history in blue and when there were important offers (this year too) we always accepted the club’s decisions.

“As I have already said, he is not a package to be sent far away to make room for new prophets. Victor was elected African Footballer of the Year, eighth in the Ballon d’Or, he still has a lot to say in Europe. Respect and balance are needed.”

Napoli have not reacted to the latest development, but the club have since made it clear that Osimhen is no longer in their plans. That means that Osimhen’s camp must either find a new club for the Nigerian before the transfer window closes on August 31 or find a way of reintegrating him into Antonio Conte’s team.

Chelsea were at the forefront among clubs vying for Osimhen’s services, but reports last week said that the West London side later decided to take their search for a striker elsewhere.

Arsenal, which was also said to be interested in Osimhen and Sporting Lisbon’s Victor Gyokeres, have now chosen to rely on Kai Havert and their current forwards for goals, at least until the January transfer window.

Speaking on the Osimehn rumours at the weekend, Arsenal Manager, Mikel Arteta, told reporters: “We fully trust our players, we want to get better… but going to try with players that are already with us.”

Meanwhile, Arsenal have agreed to sell striker, Eddie Nketia, to Crystal Palace with the player’s camp having already concluded an agreement with Palace on personal terms.

With Nketia leaving Arsenal, Spanish midfielder, Mikel Merino, has joined from Real Sociedad for a fee said to be £33 million.

After going through with his medicals, Merino could be ready for this weekend’s game against Brighton.
With Nketia leaving Arsenal, Spanish midfielder, Mikel Merino, has joined from Real Sociedad for a fee said to be £33 million.

After going through with his medicals, Merino could be ready for this weekend’s game against Brighton.