Osimhen: No! Never at Juventus, Napoli President Insists
Duro Ikhazuagbe
Napoli President, Aurelio de Laurentiis, has insisted that Nigerian striker, Victor Osimhen, will not join Juventus in the summer transfer window despite spirited attempts by the Old Lady to sign the 2023 African Player of the Year.
De Laurentiis in a no-hold-barred chat with Radio Kiss kiss via Calciomercato, said: “No! Never at Juventus!” thundered the Italian club owner in a reply to request if Napoli will allow Osimhen crossover from Naples to Turin.
Osimhen who has scored 29 goals and six assists for Galatasaray where he’s on season-long loan spell, is the target of Juventus to shore up their attack line.
It appears the Napoli boss does not want the wrath of Osimhen to comeback haunting Die Partenopei in the Italian Serie A should the record Serie A champions succeed in their bid for Osimhen.
De Laurentiis treated their prized jewel badly last summer window.
The 26-year-old Super Eagles forward however has overcome attempts to put him in the cooler, becoming the head corner stone for the Turkish giants in their push to retain the championship.
The former LOSC Lille striker is entering the final phase of his loan spell at Galatasaray. It is unlikely that the Nigeria international will stay in Istanbul beyond the summer despite Galatasaray’s push to sign him permanently.
Antonio Conte’s over reliance on 32-year-old Romelu Lukaku has been evident this season, and Osimhen’s exit will free up funds for the 2023 Serie A winners to enter the market for another top-class forward.
Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea are all in the hunt for the signature of Osimhen whose annual wage demands of about €10m may pose problems in addition to his release clause of about €72m.
Osimhen whose main target now is to win the Turkish Lig has insisted he’s not bothered by speculations about his future.
“There are always rumors about me, but I live the moment. I’m enjoying all this now. The fans supported me in an incredible way. Not only me, but also my companions and my family. The best decision will be made for everyone, but Galatasaray will forever remain in my heart,” Osimhen previously said about his future.
