This will give Chelsea and Arsenal a big advantage in any future negotiations to recruit Victor Osimhen from Napoli.
Throughout the summer transfer window, there have been several rumors that the Nigerian international is leaving Serie A.
This week, when Al Ahli offered €65 million to Napoli, there have been rumblings that Osimhen would be joining the Saudi Pro League.
Although the Gunners have maintained a long-term interest, Stamford Bridge has been seen as the striker’s most likely destination.
Napoli are willing to let the 25-year-old leave for the right price after agreeing a deal to sign Chelsea outcast Romelu Lukaku who spent the last two seasons on loan at Inter and Roma.
However, the Italian giants have not yet accepted Al Ahli’s proposal for Osimhen and his agent has now appeared to rule out a move to Saudi Arabia.
‘Osimhen is a Napoli player, with a contract recently renewed with mutual satisfaction,’ said Roberto Calenda, who represents Osimhen, on X.
‘He made history and when there were major offers (also this year) we always accepted the club’s decisions.
‘As I said, he is not a package to be shipped far away to make room for new prophets.
‘Victor was elected African footballer of the year, eighth at the Ballon d’Or, (and) he still has so much to do in Europe.
‘There is need (for) respect and balance.’
🇮🇹 Osimhen è un giocatore del Napoli, con un contratto rinnovato recentemente con reciproca soddisfazione. Ha fatto la storia in azzurro e quando ci sono state offerte importanti (anche quest’anno) abbiamo sempre accettato le decisioni del club.
Come ho già detto non è un pacco…— Roberto Calenda (@RobertoCalenda) August 26, 2024
Calenda’s update will likely put the London Premier League clubs on red alert after he insisted Osimhen wants to stay in Europe.
Osimhen has scored 66 goals in 103 games in all competitions for Napoli over the last three seasons but hasn’t featured in any matchday squads at the start of the new campaign.
Despite having a litany of options at his disposal after a whirlwind transfer window, Enzo Maresca said the Blues may still seek to sign another centre forward to provide competition for Nicolas Jackson.
Mikel Arteta has also admitted he is ‘a little short’ of forward players with many calling for the north London side to bring in a goalscorer to provide vital depth to help Arsenal challenge Manchester City for the title again.