Italian publication Tutto Napoli reported on Wednesday that Victor Osimhen, the Nigerian international, is growing frustrated with the prolonged negotiations between Napoli and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).
According to the report, Osimhen is now considering a potential move to Saudi Arabia, with Al-Ahli and Al-Hilal reportedly preparing new offers for him.
Osimhen, who has attracted interest from top clubs across Europe including Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester United, and Liverpool, has a €130m release clause that has deterred many suitors.
PSG remains the primary European club interested in signing him, but negotiations have hit a snag. Reports suggest PSG may need to offload either Gonçalo Ramos or Randal Kolo-Muani to facilitate Osimhen’s transfer.
Despite being open to leaving Napoli this summer, Osimhen’s preference is to stay in Europe and compete for major continental honors.
He has previously turned down offers from Saudi Arabian clubs but has now instructed his representatives to consider proposals from the Middle East amid the uncertainty in negotiations with PSG.
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Tutto Napoli noted, “Yesterday’s slowdown in negotiations between Victor Osimhen and PSG is significant: the Napoli striker, tired of waiting for PSG to find him a place in the team by selling Kolo Muani or Gonçalo Ramos, is now looking towards Saudi Arabia.”
“The Nigerian is covered by a €130m release clause that is considered excessive even by the sheikhs of Paris. So the French have tried without success to include their surplus strikers in the talks to unblock the operation.
“Osimhen is fed up, a prisoner of his golden contract. De Laurentiis will probably grant discounts on the clause but not sales. Therefore, the player’s entourage, in order to hurry the French and unblock an embarrassing situation, has made it known that the centre-forward would be available to listen to Al Hilal’s proposal.”
Osimhen joined Napoli from Lille in the 2020 summer for a club record fee of €70m plus another €10m in bonuses.
The 25-year-old has been in top form for the Parthenopeans for the past two seasons, guiding them to their first Scudetto title in over three decades in the 2022/23 season, scoring 26 league goals, which earned him the top scorer award.
