OSIMHEN IS NOT FOR SALE, SAYS NAPOLI PRESIDENT DE LAURENTIIS

February 8, 2023

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Napoli president Aurelio de Laurentiis has insisted the Serie A leaders do not have to sell Victor Osimhen despite reports suggesting Manchester United are planning on launching a summer bid for the forward.

Osimhen has been instrumental for Napoli as they bid to secure a first league title since 1990, with Luciano Spalletti’s side currently 13 points clear of second-placed Inter Milan.

The Nigerian forward have scored 16 goals in 17 Serie A appearances this season.

Osimhen’s displays have seen the 24-year-old emerge as Man United’s top transfer target this summer, with the Red Devils reportedly preparing a £107million offer.

But De Laurentiis has told German newspaper Bild that he does not intend to sell the Napoli talisman.

‘I can tell you that Osimhen is not for sale,’ De Laurentiis said.

‘Our players are in demand, but I don’t have to sell anyone.

‘We don’t have any debts’.

Osimhen joined Napoli from Lille in 2020 for £62.4m and has scored 45 goals in 83 matches.

His contract expires in 2025 and talks over a new deal are thought to not have taken place yet.

United are keen to sign a superstar striker in the summer, having had to rely on an injury-prone Anthony Martial and January loanee Wout Weghorst to lead the attack.

Todd Boehly’s high-spending Chelsea are also expected to enter the race for Osimhen’s signature in the summer.