Despite Napoli's efforts to retain the Nigerian international, including a new contract last December running until 2026, Osimhen's deal includes a €130m (£110.6m) release clause. De Laurentiis has accepted that Osimhen is likely to move to one of Europe’s wealthy clubs.
Arsenal, along with Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, and Real Madrid, have been linked with Osimhen. However, Real Madrid's recent signing of Kylian Mbappe rules them out. New Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca is also reportedly not interested in Osimhen, as he prefers strikers who can link play and drop deep.
This left a potential contest between PSG and Arsenal. Arsenal had considered a part-exchange deal involving Emile Smith Rowe and Takehiro Tomiyasu, but according to Sky Italia via Metro, Arsenal informed Napoli they wouldn't meet the £110.6m demand, especially after spending £105m on Declan Rice last year.
While Arsenal still value Osimhen highly, they and other interested clubs are unwilling to pay the nine-figure release clause. De Laurentiis may have to lower his asking price, especially with the arrival of Antonio Conte at Napoli, who wants to bring in Romelu Lukaku from Chelsea.
PSG now appear to be the favorites to sign Osimhen, as he is not interested in moving to Saudi Arabia. The French champions will also save €200m (£170.1m) in yearly wages with Mbappe's departure. Osimhen was the top scorer in Serie A for the 2022-23 season with 26 goals, though he only managed 15 goals in 2023-24 due to injuries and the Africa Cup of Nations.
