Juventus have reportedly stepped up their negotiations with Victor Osimhen’s camp over the weekend, according to Italian media sources.
The Nigerian striker remains in transfer limbo, with no quick resolution in sight despite strong interest from several top clubs. Napoli, acknowledging the lack of progress on any potential deal, have even asked Osimhen to join their pre-season preparations.
Osimhen had effectively been frozen out in Naples after trying to force a move last summer. While there were discussions with Chelsea, PSG, and Al-Ahli, none materialized, leading to a last-minute loan move to Galatasaray.
The Turkish giants remain desperate to keep him and are willing to break the bank to extend his stay in Istanbul, but Osimhen has still not made a final decision on his future despite having thoroughly enjoyed his year with the Super Lig champions.
Meanwhile, Al-Hilal are reportedly set to return with a new proposal for the 26-year-old after seeing several lucrative contract offers rejected by the striker, and Liverpool are also exploring a potential deal.
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Amid all of this, Juventus have been lurking in the background. The Bianconeri are known admirers of Osimhen, and he was their top striker target under sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli, who previously signed him for Napoli.
According to Sky Italia, Giuntoli’s recent sacking has not changed Juventus’ stance on Osimhen. Quite to the contrary, the report stated that ‘contacts were intensified with the player’s entourage’ over the weekend as they seek to forcefully enter the race for him.
Juventus want to get buy-in from the player before trying to negotiate a deal with domestic rivals Napoli, who would be loath to lose another star striker to the Turin club after the Gonzalo Higuain debacle in 2017.
Osimhen has a €75 million release clause, but it is only active for foreign clubs, which means that Juventus will have to sit down with Napoli and thrash out a deal.
Given the finances involved and the rivalry between the two clubs, completing the signing of Osimhen is an eminently difficult undertaking for the Old Lady – especially with Dusan Vlahovic refusing to leave – but they are ‘determined’ and ‘serious’ about landing him.
