OSIMHEN: Pours his heart on Napoli following Chelsea and Arsenal transfer interest.
The Napoli striker Victor Osimhen has been sensational for scoring goals. The 24-year-old has been one of the best in Europe in recent seasons, having scored plenty of goals for the Azzurri on their way to a Serie-A title victory. Following a sluggish start to the 2023/2024 season which has seen Napoli pick up four wins from their opening seven Serie-A games, sitting third in their attempt to defend the championship.
There is growing uncertainty surrounding the future of Osimhen and he has been struggling both on and off the pitch. The striker was mocked by the Italian outfit on TikTok after he missed a penalty in the 0-0 draw away at Bologna last weekend. The Nigerian striker was labeled on another video as a ‘coconut’ by Napoli, which was widely viewed as a racial slur.
However, following the initial posts by Napoli, a statement from Osimhen’s agent Roberto Calenda, suggested that legal action could be taken against the club, with annoyance aimed at the themes involved. This has triggered a lot of transfer interests across Europe. This made the Rudi Garcia’s side respond by stating they meant no offense to Victor Osimhen, who is understood to be on the Blue’s radar. Osimhen has scored against Udinese and Leece which was the last two Napoli’s matches after his Bologna mess. The Nigerian international’s penalty-kick snub in the midweek 4-1 win over Udinese and his muted celebrations against Udinese and Leece with the forward also deleting all but one picture relating to Napoli on his Instagram account have caused fears that the striker is not happy at Naples and may listen to offers from other clubs. The forward has just under two years remaining on his contract at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium, with no signs of extensions.
Read more: Spurs Re-ignite Interest to Sign Osimhen.
Arsenal is one of those, who has added a few striking options in recent years, but not winning games as expected by Gunners. The Napoli striker Osimhen has been touted as a potential option to solve the striking problems, though it remains to be analyzed if that is possible both stylistically and financially. Chelsea, who have struggled to find a consistent goal scorer for a few years now, the Blues Manager could be handed even more financial leverage in the transfer market, which may swing the Osimhen saga.
However, amidst that saga and the links, the striker himself has expressed his love for Napoli fans just days after his agent threatened legal action against the Serie A champions. On his Instagram story with a statement on his current situation in Napoli and the future, he said: “Coming to the City of Naples in 2020 was a wonderful decision for me. The People of Napoli have shown me so much love and kindness, and I will not allow anyone to come between us”.
“The passion of the People of Naples fuels my fire to always play with my heart and soul, and the love for the badge is unwavering as I wear it with pride”. The accusations against People of Naples are untrue. I have a lot of friends that are Napolitans and have become part of my family and everyday life. I appreciate Nigerians and everyone for leading their voices to support and reach out to me”.
“I’m forever grateful. Let’s support unity, respect and understanding. FORZA NAPOLI SEMPRE.”