Victor Osimhen transfer latest: Napoli boss green lights Chelsea, Man United verdict, price tag

Victor Osimhen is one of the most coveted strikers ahead of the summer transfer window, and there are plenty of Premier League sides after his signature

Victor Osimhen looks set to leave Napoli this summer and demand a record-breaking fee. The 24-year-old striker has been heavily linked with a several top European clubs following his title-winning performances for Napoli.

It's said that the west Londoners are in the market for a new striker, with Kai Havertz and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang failing to impress. So, the Nigeria international, who sees his contract in Naples expire in 2025, has been identified as somebody who can solve Chelsea's woes in the final third.

So, with that being said, football.london has taken a look at the latest news regarding Osimhen and his future ahead of the summer...

Spalletti hint

Speaking to DAZN, as quoted by Football Italia, Spalletti claimed that Osimhen will have a bright future regardless of what team he plays for. The Napoli boss said: "When players start working in a certain way, you identify their characteristics and find paths to give them service.

"Osimhen is good in open spaces, in the air, with the ball passed to his feet. He will have an important future, no matter what team he plays in, and is above all a good lad too.

"His teammates love him, he helps them out and resolves situations rather than complains. He will become even more of a top player in future."

Chelsea scouts keeping tabs

According to Il Mattino, Chelsea sent scouts to watch Osimhen in Napoli's defeat to Monza.

Osimhen race

Sky Sports Italia reporter Gianluca Di Marzio has claimed Victor Osimhen will cost €150million this summer. That astronomical fee would shatter the British transfer record - set by Chelsea when they signed Enzo Fernandez in January.

The Blues and Manchester United are reportedly the two English clubs willing to stump up that fee to sign the Napoli striker. Manchester City are also in that bracket but, owing to Erling Haaland's brilliance, are not in the hunt for a goalscorer.

"Aurelio De Laurentiis wants €150million for Osimhen.," Di Marzio said. "It's an initial request. I think that the only two clubs in the Premier League that can try to get Victor Osimhen are Chelsea and Man United. In Ligue 1, PSG. I think Bayern Munich are out of this race."

Osimhen message

Napoli star Victor Osimhen has issued a firm response when asked about his future following the Italian outfit's Serie A title success. The Nigeria international has scored 27 goals and provided a further five assists in 34 appearances this term with Chelsea and Manchester United both interested in signing the 24-year-old this summer.

"I just want to enjoy this incredible title. I can’t wait to return to Napoli and hug the fans - I’m so happy for them."

United verdict

Manchester United have opened the way for Chelsea to sign Napoli sensation Victor Osimhen this summer. According to Sky Germany, Erik ten Hag's side are currently pushing the hardest to sign Eintracht Frankfurt's Randal Kolo Muani this summer instead of the Napoli star.

United are in the market for a new striker after mutually agreeing to terminate Cristiano Ronaldo's contract at Old Trafford prior to the World Cup in Qatar. The report adds that Ten Hag 'ranks' Kolo Muani higher than Osimhen, suggesting he could very well be the Dutchman's first choice.

Bayern stance

According to German journalist Florian Plettenberg, Bayern have cooled their interest in Osimhen due to his hefty price tag. Thomas Tuchel's side have reportedly refused to pay more than £88.2m for the forward and will consider possible alternatives.

PSG and Bayern interest

European giants PSG and Bayern Munich have joined the race to sign Osimhen, according to Calciomercato.com.

It's said that the two clubs are keen on the striker and will allow the 24 year-old to make a decision on his future himself. However, it's reported that he's tempted by Bayern's project, and has a soft spot for the German giants.

Talks squashed

Osimhen's camp have squashed claims that any discussions over a move have not yet happened. Speaking to Mundo Deportivo, via Fabrizio Romano, their statement read: "Fake news. It’s early to discuss a transfer."

Premier League certainty

Former Chelsea midfielder Geremi has claimed that Napoli star Victor Osimhen is almost certain to play in the Premier League.

“We will see Victor come and play in the Premier League in the future," he told Lord Ping. "It would be very good news for the Premier League because you want to see the world’s best players play in the league, and he is certainly one of them. I think the fans would love his style too.

"There is no doubt that he would be a great addition to the league and any team that wants to sign him. I am certain that a big club will take him. He has reached the top level after what he has achieved for Napoli this season, so we know he will be expensive, but he is worth it.

"He needs to find the right club and project, but every single big club in England would love to take him. I think he will make the move.”

Drogba comparison

Having previously revealed his childhood idol was Didier Drogba, the Nigeria international has now admitted he hopes to emulate the ex-Chelsea striker on the global stage.

"And I'm really working so hard, we have a great squad, I think with the help of my teammates I can really be at that level," he told NFF TV. "My childhood idol is Didier Drogba.

"When I scored against Chelsea. The feeling because I know a lot of my friends that are Chelsea fans and before the game they messaged that they don't care if Chelsea beat Lille 5-1 or 5-2 as long as I score. They wanted me to actualise my dream and that’s one of the best moments in my career."

€150m price tag

Napoli are said to be braced for a huge amount of offers for their talisman at the end of the season and have prepared for any bids by slapping a £150m valuation on the striker.

That's according to Il Mattino, who claim the Serie A leaders are desperate to hold of the striker and are hoping the big asking price will put the likes of Chelsea and Arsenal off.

The report insists Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis is not interested in sitting down with any club who offers a penny short of the asking price.