Napoli President Aurelio De Laurentiis on Tuesday gave mixed messages over Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen, insisting they ‘have a basic agreement on a two-year extension’ of the contract, but he is also willing to ‘consider an offer we could not refuse.
The patron spoke at the presentation press conference for new coach Rudi Garcia and was asked outright if he had assured the tactician that his Capocannoniere would remain.
The answer, as is often the case with De Laurentiis, was somewhat vague and open to interpretation.
“I have said for a while that Osimhen has to stay. Then, if an offer came in that I could not refuse for the good of Napoli, we would consider it, as is only natural,” said ADL.
Later on in the press conference, De Laurentiis revealed more details on the Osimhen situation and left the door open for others to leave as well.
“We already talked to Osimhen before the Scudetto celebration, so we already have a basic agreement on a two-year extension of his contract. The other players, that is something we need to study with Rudi because I have for many years been convinced that pre-season training is fundamental.
“We refused to play the Gampert trophy with Barcelona, refused to play Manchester United, because we want to remain together and bring international teams to Castel di Sangro, so we avoid too much traveling.”
Osimhen is currently under contract until June 2025 and made the move from LOSC for €75m plus bonuses in September 2020.
The Nigeria international has been linked with numerous clubs, including Manchester United, Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea and Bayern Munich.
