Man United, Chelsea and PSG target Victor Osimhen coy on Napoli future

Napoli striker Victor Osimhen remained tight-lipped when asked about his long-term future in an interview with German outlet Sport1.

The Nigeria international is one of the most sought-after strikers in Europe this season, with Premier League quartet Manchester United, Chelsea, Manchester City, Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain registering interest.

Osimhen was again at his prolific best when he netted a brace against Eintracht Frankfurt to help his side book a place in their first-ever Champions League quarter-final.

His performance bamboozled Frankfurt, whose captain Sebastian Rode labelled the 24-year-old as one of the best strikers in the world, and a flattered yet confident Osimhen acknowledged the German’s remark.

“I’m just proud of the season I’m playing and the achievements of the club,” he said. “I do believe that I’m currently one of the best strikers in the world. 

“It’s a great honour for me when my opponents praise me so much. I am grateful to everyone who believed in me. But I still have a lot of room for improvement. I can still improve on a few points.”

Two goals in Wednesday night’s showdown took Osimhen’s tally to 23 goals in 28 games this season, and the striker has been the focal point of Napoli’s push for the Serie A title.

Having established an 18-point lead atop the Italian top flight, Luciano Spalletti’s side are cruising to the Scudetto unopposed, and only a calamitous collapse will see them relinquish their lead with 12 games remaining in the season.

“That would be absolutely insane,” Osimhen added. “I’ve been in Europe for six and a half years now. 

“The passion for football, especially here in Naples, is simply indescribable. Neapolitans have football in their blood. We want to give the title to the fans.”

Osimhen has scored 51 goals in 90 appearances since arriving at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium from Lille in 2019.

Despite having a contract that runs until 2025, Napoli will have their hands full trying to keep him for another season, but it will take a massive figure to tempt the club into a sale.

The Nigerian has also never been shy to express a desire to explore other opportunities with an eye on a move to the Premier League. 

However, he remained coy on his Napoli future, insisting he will decide on his future together with his agent and the club at the end of the season.

“I don’t know what the future holds,” Osimhen said. “I think I’m on the right track. At the end of the season, I will sit down with my agents and discuss everything. 

“I will also be in talks with the club. I am incredibly grateful to Naples. We will find a good solution together.”