Arsenal and Napoli have begun talks regarding a spectacular summer transfer of Victor Osimhen.
The Nigerian international is anticipated to depart Naples this summer, and Paris Saint-Germain was leading the chase to sign him last month.
Nevertheless, the French giants have cooled their interest in the striker, declining to pay the enormous amount that Napoli was asking for. PSG was willing to pay €90 million for the former Lille star, an offer that Napoli turned down.
Although PSG is still interested in Osimhen, the player is not currently considered a top priority at Parc de Princes, which is why Arsenal has rekindled their interest in him.
Corriere dello Sport report the Gunners have recently returned to Napoli to enquire about the player’s situation. Chelsea also remain interested, with Romelu Lukaku’s prospective move to Napoli also a factor in any move.
Osimhen has a huge release clause of €130million (£110m). While are Arsenal are long-term admirers, they have reportedly already made it clear they will not be paying that fee.
Napoli president Aurelio de Laurentiis is adamant any team wishing to sign their star striker must pay that release clause.
However, Napoli have received no concrete proposals which come near that figure, and while Saudi Pro League clubs could afford such a high fee, Osimhen is keen on remaining in Europe.
Arsenal remain interested in signing a new striker this summer having missed out on Benjamin Sesko, who opted to sign a new deal at RB Leipzig.
Mikel Arteta’s side were eager to sign Newcastle United star Alexande Isak but were immediately priced out of any move for the Sweden international.
Arsenal hope to confirm a move for Riccardo Calafiori this week having agreed a £42m fee with Bologna for the Italy international.
Reports also suggest the north London side are leading the race for Real Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino.