Napoli striker Victor Osimhen ‘will be sold for more than 100 million euros’, experienced Italian director Giuseppe Cannella tells Radio Punto Nuovo amid reported interest from Premier League giants Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur.
It’s about time Cristiano Guintoli got the credit he deserves.
While not quite as widely admired as Monchi, while not quite so trophy laden as a Michael Edwards, the way Giuntoli turned a Napoli side seemingly in crisis only a couple of months ago into one of the form sides in Europe is certainly worthy of praise.
Kim-Min Jae, Giacomo Raspadori and the outstanding Kvicha Kvaratskhelia (world football’s breakthrough star for 2022 anyone?) have transformed Napoli from perennial bridesmaid’s into a team dreaming of walking down the aisle at last.
Osimhen, another Giuntoli signing, also has nine goals in just 11 games for a Partenopei side sitting eight points clear at the top of Serie A heading into the World Cup break.
Napoli striker Victor Osimhen liked with Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool
“Compliments must be paid, both to Giuntoli and to (president) De Laurentiis,” says Cannella; the former Siena and Salernitana chief making sure to highlight the good work of ‘one of his own’.
“Giuntoli because he believed in his own ideas and carried them forward. And to De Laurentiis for having given confidence and carte blanche to his director. The championship challenge is a credit to the Napoli project.”
Osimhen was ‘very close’ to joining Arsenal back in 2020. The former Lille talisman has now been identified by Antonio Conte as the ideal successor for Harry Kane should the Tottenham talisman push for a new challenge once again next summer (Rudy Galetti).
Liverpool are also keeping tabs on the spring-heeled Nigerian (Gazzetta dello Sport).
“At the moment, it is difficult to really evaluate the price of Osimhen,” Cannella adds. “The price is based on the request. If a team like PSG or similar asks you, (Napoli will sell) for more than 100 million euros.”
What will Liverpool do in the transfer market?
Liverpool’s alleged interest raises a few eyebrows, given the similarities between Osimhen and the suddenly free-scoring Darwin Nunez. Furthermore, Jurgen Klopp’s side will prioritise a central midfielder rather than a centre-forward in 2023.
Borussia Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham remains the number one target. Keep an eye on Benfica duo Enzo Fernandes and Florentino Luiz too.
Joao Gomes, meanwhile, has spoken openly about his interest in a move to Anfield.
“I dream of playing in several European leagues,” the Flamengo starlet admits, via Coluna do Fla. “But the Premier League is the one I watch the most, and is the most competitive.
“My big dream is to play in the Premier League and I hope to achieve it. God willing, everything will be fine.”
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