36-time Italian Serie A Champions, Juventus, have made their intent clear by launching an official bid for Super Eagles and Galatasaray striker, Victor James Osimhen, Soccernet.ng reports.
The 26-year-old forward fell out with the Napoli hierarchy last season in an attempt to force a move away from the club. While his preferred English Premier League move did not happen, he ended up at Galatasaray on a season long-loan.
Osimhen’s loan spell in the Turkish Super Lig has seen him achieve enormous success as he’s scored 33 goals and provided seven assists in 37 games for the CimBom Aslan across all competitions this season, drawing interest from several top clubs.
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Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea, Al-Hilal, Paris Saint-Germain, Nottingham Forest and Juventus are interested in the former LOSC Lille striker and he has a €75m release clause in his Napoli contract, only valid for clubs outside Italy.
Napoli CEO, Aurelien De Laurentiis, has made it clear his side will not allow Victor Osimhen join any Italian side when the transfer window reopens this summer, ruling out Juventus’ chances.
Still, the Bianconeri are not budging in their hunt for the Super Eagles lethal attacker. Juventus’ Director of Football, Cristiano Giuntoli, was the one who brought Osimhen to Italy in the first place during his time at Napoli.
According to Il Corriere dello Sport (via TuttoJuve), the Old Ladies have launched a bid worth €85m to prise Osimhen to Turin despite De Laurentiis’ bluffs. They specifically raised the fee beyond Napoli’s asking price to put themselves in the front foot in the race for the striker ahead of other interested clubs.
Soccernet.ng previously reported that Victor Osimhen was contacted by Juventus, and while he appreciated their interest, he made it clear his next club will be in the English Premier League.
Napoli would be willing to accept a lower bid, just to sell Osimhen to a foreign club. Hence, Manchester United and Chelsea remain in pole position to secure the player’s signature, and the same goes for Saudi Pro League suitors, even though the player’s desire will be a key factor in the equation.
The Red Devils are currently courting several strikers as they consider Osimhen’s wages too high to pay. They’re currently looking at Ipswich Town striker, Liam Delap and Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta.