By Ebenezer Bajela
Napoli president, Aurelio de Laurentiis, has insisted that Nigeria international Victor Osimhen is not for sale despite reports linking the striker with a move away from the club in the summer, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
Laurentiis made this assertion while giving an update on the future of the prolific striker amid reports that Manchester United are preparing a mega-money swoop for his talismanic frontman and the statement of the Italian club’s boss wont be encouraging for Erik ten Hag.
Ten Hag is understood to be torn between signing Osimhen or Harry Kane at the end of the season, when he intends to add a new marquee No.9 to his ranks.
But his hand could now end up being forced by the hard-nosed De Laurentiis, who wants to continue building for the future as Napoli close in on the Serie A title.
When quizzed on Manchester United’s interest in Osimhen, the Italian told Bild, “I can tell you that Osimhen is not for sale.
“Our players are in demand but I don’t have to sell anyone. We don’t have any debts.”
Osimhen’s current deal is due to run until the summer of 2025, meaning Napoli hold all the cards should they receive any bids for this season’s impending Capocannoniere winner.
The former Lille attacker currently tops the goalscoring charts in Italy having struck 16 times in 17 outings for the Partenopei.
United could be forced to explore alternative striker targets after being told under no uncertain terms that Osimhen is not for sale this summer.
Chelsea are also said to be tracking the Nigerian but ultimately, there is every chance he will remain at Napoli where he is playing the best football of his career.
Source: The Punch
