Newcastle United have been hit with a crushing transfer update regarding Napoli centre-forward Victor Osimhen.
What’s the talk?
Journalist Freddie Paxon has revealed that the Nigerian would prefer a move to Arsenal over St James’ Park this summer.
The reporter claims that the Gunners are seriously interested in signing the attacker and have taken steps to sign him, although the Serie A club’s valuation of him could be an issue for the north Londoners.
Paxon tweeted: “I’m told Arsenal have been in contact with the agent of Victor Osimhen. The feeling is that the interest is serious, but Napoli will expect €100m+ this summer. Player wants to play in England and has previously been contacted by Newcastle. He is more interested in Arsenal.”
He added: “Personally I’d imagine that if Napoli hold out for that price it would be a big stumbling block for Arsenal, who have other targets who would be available for less. That said, there are clearly big admirers of Osimhen at the Emirates.”
Eddie Howe will be fuming
This update will surely leave Magpies head coach Eddie Howe fuming, as the £85m Osimhen would be a sensational signing for the club, and this latest claim suggests that Newcastle are not winning the race for his signature.
Should Newcastle sign Osimhen?
Yes
No
The player is seemingly angling for a move to the Emirates Stadium and it could be difficult for Newcastle to secure a deal for him now.
Arsenal are speaking with his agent and are in the driving seat to land his services, which will potentially leave the Toon considering other targets as they will not want to waste their time on a player who has his heart set on a transfer to another club.
Osimhen has been in phenomenal form for Napoli in Serie A this season. He has scored 12 goals in 20 league starts for the club and averaged an excellent SofaScore rating of 7.12, which shows that the overall standard of his performances has been consistently high.
The Nigerian also scored four goals in three Europa League starts earlier in the season to prove himself domestically and in Europe.
At the age of 23, he also has scope to develop his game further and improve as a striker. This means that he would be a fantastic short-term signing given his scoring returns this season, and he would be a player with whom Howe could work over a number of years.
This is why the Newcastle head coach will be fuming with the player’s decision to pursue a transfer to Arsenal instead of wanting to join the Magpies.
AND in other news, Imagine him & Bruno: PIF must finally launch NUFC move for “outrageous” £50m dynamo…