Arsenal have the opportunity to sign Napoli striker Victor Osimhen in a part-exchange deal this summer, according to Corriere dello Sport.
The Nigerian star has been tipped to leave the Serie A giants in the upcoming transfer window, but the club are reluctant to negotiate the price.
Osimhen’s contract currently has a release clause worth £111 million, and Napoli are holding out for a similar package to part ways with him.
Saudi Pro League giants Al-Hilal have the capacity to trigger the clause, but Osimhen reportedly dreams of playing in the Premier League (Corriere dello Sport page 6).
The sizeable clause is an obstacle for the Gunners, but they have players that Napoli could be interested in signing.
Emile Smith Rowe has recently emerged as a transfer option for them. The Naples outfit were also interested in signing Takehiro Tomiyasu last winter.
Smith Rowe could be used as a makeweight in Osimhen deal
Arsenal are yet to make a formal approach for Osimhen, who netted 17 goals for Napoli last term.
The 25-year-old missed ten games with multiple injuries. He is out for a few weeks with a fresh injury, ruling him out of the World Cup qualifiers with Nigeria.
Osimhen, who Jose Mourinho described as a ‘world-class‘ striker when he was Roma’s manager last season, is a risky proposition.
The former Lille man has a knack for picking up short-term issues and the higher intensity of the Premier League may not suit him.
If Arsenal were to consider a player-plus-cash deal, Smith Rowe is more likely to be involved rather than Tomiyasu, who penned a new long-term contract with the club earlier this year.
Smith Rowe, who is also on Fulham’s radar, barely featured last season. He had to contend with a regular role on the bench due to the competition for places.
The club graduate could be open to a new challenge away from the club, and Napoli would be a lucrative destination. The Partenopei are eyeing another attacking midfielder.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com.
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