Victor Osimhen is still a Napoli player, but the question is, how long will that continue? Natural goal-scorers are a rare commodity, and few strikers have the ability to find the back of the net as well as the 25-year-old Nigerian superstar. Rumors of Osimhen leaving Italy and embarking on a career in the English Premier League have intensified recently, with Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, and now Liverpool heavily linked with breaking the bank to secure Osimhen’s signature.

Osimhen is contracted to Napoli until 2026, so the 2022-23 Serie A champions are in no rush to sell their most prized asset. However, the “Gil Azzurri” may accept a €100 million to €150 million offer rather than let the talented goal machine’s contract dwindle. Such an offer could arrive the moment the current season concludes, and it is looking ever likely that it will be a Premier League outfit that secures Osimhen’s services.

Could Osimhen Head to Chelsea?

Chelsea has long been an admirer of Osimhen, and it is no secret that “The Blues” are in the market for a new number nine. Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson have not hit the ground running, and the Stamford Bridge team is crying out for someone who can put the ball in the back of the net. However, the odds from BetOnline sportsbook review suggest Chelsea has slipped down the pecking order in the race for Osimhen’s signature.

Several media outlets are reporting that Chelsea head coach Mauricio Pochettino’s interest in Osimhen has cooled. Chelsea has now switched attention to Canadian striker Jonathan David, who plays for Lille in France’s Ligue 1. Ironically, David is the player rumored to be the man Napoli has lined up to replace Osimhen should he leave the club. If Chelsea signs the Canadian international, it could scupper other teams’ plans to add Osimhen to their squads.

Is a Transfer to Arsenal Likely?

Arsenal is another Premier League team looking to add a striker to its squad and another team heavily linked with Osimhen. Last week, you read top transfer expert Fabrizio Romano on these pages explaining why he does not think Arsenal will move for Osimhen. However, Romano’s comments came before Arsenal crashed out of the UEFA Champions League at the quarter-finals stage.

“The Gunners” play an attractive style of football that terrifies opposition defenses, but they do not have an out-and-out number nine to put the ball into the back of the net. Gabriel Jesus spends too much time in the treatment room, Eddie Nketieh is mainly used as a substitute, and Kai Havertz is a midfielder playing out of position. Those three players have only scored 24 goals between them this season, highlighting Arsenal’s need for a number nine.

Romano explained that Osimhen’s massive release clause and wage demands could prevent Arsenal from signing the Nigerian international. However, Arsenal’s other transfer target, Viktor Gyokeres, comes with a similar price tag. Although Gyokeres would command a lower salary, unlike Osimhen, he is relatively inexperienced in top-flight football.

Will Osimhen Lead the Line for Manchester United

There was a time when every footballer dreamed of playing for Manchester United. Manchester United was once a dominant force in English and European football, but those days are long gone. Today’s Manchester United may not qualify for the Europa Conference League this season because they are languishing in seventh place in the Premier League, some 23 points behind the current leaders, Manchester City.

Head coach Erik ten Hag spent an initial £64 million bringing Danish youngster Rasmus Hojlund to Old Trafford. Sadly, Hojlund has failed to live up to his hefty price tag, scoring seven goals in 24 Premier League appearances. Manchester United is a team in transition. They will not be playing Champions League football this season and probably next, while nobody is sure if ten Hag will still have a job come the end of May. Would Osimhen want to move to a club that is in disarray? You know the answer.

Liverpool Emerges as a Potential Destination for Osimhen

Liverpool is the latest Premier League team linked with Osimhen, but any potential move hinges on whether or not “The Reds” decide to cash in on Mohamed Salah. Liverpool rejected a reported £150 million from Saudi Pro League club Al-Ittihad last summer, and the cash-rich Saudi Arabian team is highly likely to make another move for the Egyptian once the Premier League season is over.

Salah’s departure would leave a gaping hole in Liverpool’s attack; Salah has 209 goals and 88 assists in 342 games for Liverpool. Salah’s contract ends in June 2025, meaning Liverpool risks losing him on a free transfer so they could accept a serious offer for him in the summer.

Osimhen would become Liverpool’s star striker, the focus of the team’s attacking plays, and he shines in those scenarios. The club will play Champions League football next season and could start the 2024-25 campaign as champions of England. However, Jurgen Klopp is stepping away from the club in May, and there is much uncertainty about who will replace the German as Liverpool’s head coach. Such uncertainty may not sit well with Osimhen.

Conclusion

Whenever a team has a natural goal-scorer who puts the ball in the back of the net for fun, elite-level teams will always be linked with his signature. Osimhen is an incredible striker who is improving with each season he completes. His record of 112 goals and 28 assists in 237 club games, plus 21 goals in 35 games for Nigeria, speaks for itself.

Osimhen is a forward in high demand, and rightly so. He will have the choice of several clubs in the summer, and only he will know where his future lies. Wherever Osimhen next lays his hat, you can guarantee he will continue scoring goals and putting in excellent performances. That spells good news for the Nigerian national team.