Arsenal have reportedly informed Napoli that they will not meet the €130 million (£110.8 million) release clause in the contract of Victor Osimhen as they seek to bolster their striking options following a narrow miss in the Premier League title race this season.
Mikel Arteta is keen on adding a new forward to his squad, and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, who netted 14 goals in the Bundesliga this season, is a top candidate on Arsenal’s shortlist. Sesko is available for a €65 million (£55.2 million) release clause, making him a more financially viable option.
According to Sky Sports Italy, while Arsenal highly regard Osimhen, they are unwilling to proceed with a deal due to the exorbitant costs involved. Napoli have been open to selling Osimhen for several months, but club president Aurelio de Laurentiis is holding out for a club to trigger the Nigeria international’s €130 million clause.
So far, no concrete proposals have come close to that figure. While Saudi Pro League clubs could afford such a fee, Osimhen is keen on remaining in Europe. This situation might prompt Napoli to lower their asking price, especially as they need the 25-year-old’s transfer fee to fund new signings this summer.
Napoli are interested in reuniting their new head coach Antonio Conte with Romelu Lukaku, who is returning to Chelsea after a season-long loan at Roma. However, Chelsea are insistent that Lukaku’s £38 million release clause be met, and believe that Osimhen’s departure is necessary before Napoli can move for the Belgian striker.
Chelsea have also shown interest in Osimhen in the past but have ruled themselves out of the running this summer due to his high transfer fee and concerns over his injury record.
