Napoli Hinges on Osimhen

The future of Napoli appears to hinge on Osimhen. The Nigerian striker is reportedly ready to leave the club, thus providing a substantial transfer fund. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Napoli’s chairman De Laurentiis has never been shy of investing hefty sums on formidable forwards, right from Calaiò to Bucchi in Serie C and B, all the way to Cavani, Higuain, and lastly Victor.

Osimhen’s contract contains a significant release clause of 130 million Euros, creating an impressive windfall for the club as they seek his replacement. The first name on their wish-list is Jonathan David of Lille. The young Canadian is also a target for AC Milan, and his versatility makes him an ideal candidate for clubs favouring a 4-3-3 formation. Napoli is, however, yet to name their next manager.

Another contender on Napoli’s radar is Victor Boniface from Bayer Leverkusen. Despite the club’s reluctance to sell, Napoli’s projected budget of 130 million Euros from the Osimhen’s sale might persuade the German club to negotiate. Belgian transfer Boniface has scored 10 goals and provided 7 assists in just 16 Bundesliga matches, with a current market value of around 40 million Euros.

Napoli also has Feyenoord’s striker Gimenez and Bologna’s talented forward Joshua Zirkzee in sight. However, for Zirkzee, there is a buy-out clause of 40 million Euros, solely available to Bayern Munich. Other clubs, with AC Milan in the lead, are free to negotiate with Bologna, who are hoping to trigger a bidding war.