Manchester United and Newcastle United are among clubs Victor Osimhen is set to snub this summer, despite reports of the Magpies tabling a £100million offer in January.
The talk coming out of Italy suggestted Osimhen is expected to remain at Napoli next season.
United and Newcastle are just two of a host of clubs linked with the 23-year-old striker amid an impressive second season in Italy.
Napoli signed Osimhen from Lille in a £74million deal in 2020, making him the most expensive African footballer in history.
After a debut season settling in at the club, scoring 10 goals in 30 appearances in all competitions, the Nigeria international has caught the eye even more.
Osimhen has contributed to 17 goals in 24 games this term, registering 13 goals and four assists, and is well-loved in Naples.
On Monday, Sky Italy journalist Mario Giunta revealed that Napoli owner Aurelio De Laurentiis and manager Luciano Spalletti are ‘crazy’ about Osimhen, who is also happy to stay at the club this summer.
He said: “There are many clubs on the Nigerian, but I feel like giving some news: Osimhen will stay in Naples again next season.
“Aurelio De Laurentiis and Luciano Spalletti are crazy about him and have no intention of getting rid of him. “In addition, the former Lille man earns important figures in Campania. He is fine and doesn’t press to go away.”
The report will come as a blow for suitors, especially for Newcastle, who Corriere dello Sport reported bid almost £100m to sign in the winter transfer window.
United have also been touted as an interested party after Ralf Rangnick admitted they needed to sign a new striker this summer due to Edinson Cavani’s impending exit.
Earlier this month, Italian journalist Alfredo Pedulla claimed the Red Devils were eyeing a pursuit of Osimhen and that Napoli had enquired about potential replacements.
Meanwhile, Newcastle were linked with the Nigerian goal-getter in January and now sources in Italy are claiming the Premier League side are expected to renew their pursuit of him come the end of the current campaign.
A stellar season in France with Lille saw Osimhen come to prominence and subsequently earn a move to Napoli for a club-record fee in the region of £60million in the summer of 2020. Since then, the striker has continued to see his profile soar across Europe and this campaign he’s struck 13 goals and registered four assists in 24 appearances.
Speaking to Radio Kiss Kiss Napoli, as relayed by CalcioNapoli24, Sky Italia journalist Mario Giunta revealed: “Assault for Osimhen? I totally lose my head for him, I have fought several times from a football and fantasy football point of view (laughs). If we expect Benzema, we are wrong!
“There were a few bites from the Premier League for Osimhen. There was Newcastle’s interest in January and I don’t rule out that they can return to office in the summer.
“The strength they can put on Napoli’s plate is great. One could reason about a possible sale only in front of an offer that few can afford. I think Osimhen will stay at Napoli next season.”
