Napoli striker Victor Osimhen could join the host of football stars moving to Saudi Arabia as the Gulf state seeks to attract attention to their domestic league.
Al-Hilal have aggressively pursued the Nigerian international with two eye-watering bids, only to be rebuffed by the Serie A champions.
Their first offer, worth €120 million, was immediately turned down by Napoli.
The Saudi club returned with a second offer of €140m for the 24-year-old, who netted 26 Serie A goals last season.
According to L’Equipe, Napoli remain resolute in their position and are reportedly holding out for an even higher bid to part ways with their star striker.
They are hoping to negotiate an extension to Osimhen’s contract and are in talks with his agent over adding a €150m release clause to the deal.
The new contract would at least keep him in Italy beyond this summer, but the Saudi Pro League offer may entice both parties to think otherwise.
Al-Hilal want a marquee signing this summer and will keep pushing for the Napoli centre-forward, having previously attempted to land French sensation Kylian Mbappe.
If they can snap up the in-demand Osimhen, the Saudi Prp League will have established itself as a force to be reckoned with in the transfer market.
The negotiations between Osimhen’s representatives and the Saudi club are underway, and a third bid from Al-Hilal is imminent.
If the transfer went through, it would undoubtedly be one of the most significant moves this summer, further cementing Saudi Arabia’s rising status in the global football landscape.
The Gulf state’s ambitious offensive on European football has captured global attention, and Osimhen’s future hangs in the balance as the transfer saga unfolds.
