Fabio Santini has been speaking to 7 Gold about Napoli’s transfer window, where he made an interesting claim about Newcastle and Victor Osimhen.
What’s the story?
Well, this would’ve been quite the signing for Newcastle.
Osimhen – who cost Napoli a club-record £81.3m – is one of the most exciting strikers across Europe, and Santini believes the Magpies wanted him on Tyneside.
As quoted by Calcio Napoli 1926, the journalist said: “I have news about Aurelio De Laurentiis’ Napoli. First of all, I can confirm Newcastle’s interest in striker Victor Osimhen, but the president of the club has already made it know that he wants no less than €100m (£83m) for the player”.
While that figure sounds like a lot, Napoli are well within their rights to demand it given how much they paid for the Nigeria international.
Since he swapped Lille for Naples, the 23-year-old has scored 19 goals in 46 games for Napoli, as his stock among Europe’s giants rises.
Eventually, the only addition at centre-forward made by Newcastle was the signing of Chris Wood, after his £25m release clause was triggered.
Newcastle should keep tabs on Victor Osimhen
Clearly, Newcastle have money to spend, and we think Eddie Howe should launch a serious push for Osimhen this summer – if the Magpies stay up.
£83m sounds like a lot, but Newcastle would be getting one of the most effective young forwards around, one who has plenty of time on his side to get even better.
Osimhen has even been described as the new Didier Drogba, which tells you all you need to know about his playing style – he’s a real handful.
The Ivorian dominated the Premier League during his time at Chelsea, and Newcastle could have their own icon of the English game if they manage to sign Osimhen.
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