Super Eagles forward Victor Osimhen has responded to reports linking him with a move to Arsenal and other clubs in this current transfer window.
The Napoli striker has been on the radar of the Gunners since 2020 just before his move to Napoli from French side Lille, where he has continued development since then.
The Nigerian scored 18 times and made two assists in the Europa League and Serie A for Napoli last term. Arsenal have maintained their interest in his signature, and a move for him this summer looks increasingly unlikely.
And the player has now confirmed that he is simply focused and committed to his current club, while insisting that all transfer links are simply rumours.
‘I’m in Napoli. And I have great respect for my club,’ he told Corriere Dello Sport.
‘They are just rumours of the market. I’m fine here and I’ve never had such close relationships with everyone as at this moment.
‘I spoke to the president, he is the one who decides, and he reassured me by explaining the club’s plans.
‘I am happy with what he told me and the purchases are of quality: words were followed by deeds. I am very happy to play with Napoli and we will see in the future.’
Osimhen is expected to lead the Napoli attack this season and with a notable exit like Kalidou Koulibaly already, a move away from the Italian side looks quite impossible this summer.
A big season ahead of Victor Osimhen
The former Youth international has made massive leap in his career so far. The forward began his football career with Ultimate Strikers Academy in Lagos before he broke into Nigeria’s U17 where he represented them at the 2015 FIFA World Cup in Chile. He scored ten goals at the tournament as Nigeria secured the title.
He joined Wolfsburg but struggled with injuries and had difficulties adapting. It was at Belgium side Charleroi where he was sent on loan that he reignited his career with 20 goals in 36 appearances to finish as the Club’s Player of the Season in the 2018/2019 football year.
He moved swiftly to French side Lille for €12m that summer after Charleroi signed him permanently. At Lille, Oismhen continued to shine and scored 18 goals in 38 appearances to also win the Club’s Player of the Year.
Now at Napoli after a big money move, his first two campaigns have been blighted by injuries and Covid issues; so here is his chance to make a statement by staying fit, sorting the iissues surrounding him back at home and firing on all cylinders on the pitch.
This article was most recently revised and updated 5 months ago
