Osimhen transfer latest: Chelsea and Arsenal battle, £132m price tag and Drogba

Chelsea transfer news: Napoli forward Victor Osimhen is a summer target for some of Europe's biggest clubs

Napoli striker Victor Osimhen looks destined to be the subject of one of the most intense transfer battles in the summer window. The Nigerian has become a wanted man after his superb goalscoring campaign in Italy, with Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester United and Real Madrid linked.

The 24-year-old has scored 26 goals in 33 games for Napoli this season, helping them on the way to their first Serie A title since 1990 which is imminent. Luciano Spalletti's side, obviously, want to keep hold of their talisman for next season, but money talks.

It's reported that Gli Azzurri will demand over £132 million for the former Lille man, meaning any potential suitor will have to make Osimhen the third most-expensive transfer in history.

As the 2022/23 season heads to its conclusion, football.london takes a look at everything we know regarding the future of Osimhen.

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."

"My childhood idol is Didier Drogba," he told NFF TV. "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.