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Arsenal 'leading the race for Napoli's Victor Osimhen'

Arsenal 'leading the race for Victor Osimhen'
© Reuters
Arsenal are reportedly leading the race for Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, who is attracting interest from a number of Europe's biggest clubs.

Arsenal are reportedly the favourites to secure the signature of Napoli striker Victor Osimhen.

The forward has enjoyed a successful 2022-23 campaign, scoring 21 goals and providing four assists in 26 competitive appearances.

Having registered 19 of those goals in the Italian top flight this season, Osimhen is currently the league's top scorer.

Osimhen has played a starring role in a Napoli side that are on the verge of ending their 33-year wait for the Serie A title with 15 points separating them from second-placed Inter Milan.

As a result of his impressive performances, Osimhen is attracting interest from a number of Europe's biggest clubs, including Chelsea, Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain.

Napoli's Victor Osimhen celebrates scoring their third goal on October 16, 2022© Reuters

However, according to Italian outlet RAI, Arsenal are currently leading the race to secure the Nigerian's signature as they look to bolster their forward line.

The current Premier League leaders would have to splash out a considerable sum if they are to bring the 24-year-old to North London.

The report claims that Napoli would be looking to receive €150m (£133m) to part ways with the striker, which would break the British transfer record recently set by Enzo Fernandez's £106m January move to Chelsea.

With Osimhen under contract until June 2025, Napoli will be confident that they are in a strong negotiating position.

Arsenal have primarily utilised Eddie Nketiah and Gabriel Jesus as their central strikers this season, although the latter has not featured since the 2022 World Cup due to a knee injury.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta celebrates on March 4, 2023© Reuters

Folarin Balogun is also on Arsenal's books, and the 21-year-old is currently on loan with French side Reims, where he has been in impressive form, scoring 15 goals in 25 league games.

A decision will have to be made on Balogun's Arsenal future in the summer, but he may struggle for playing time if the Gunners manage to recruit the Napoli man.

Osimhen, who has scored 15 goals in 23 international appearances for Nigeria, will be aiming to reach a significant milestone when Luciano Spalletti's side face Atalanta on Saturday.

Having registered 49 goals in 88 appearances for the Italian club, Osimhen will be looking to reach a half-century of Napoli strikes.

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Written by
Ben Sully

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