Real Madrid Boss Breaks Silence on Victor Osimhen Transfer Links: “We Never Thought About Him”

• Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has revealed the position of the club on rumours linking Victor Osimhen to Los Blancos
• Osimhen has begun the season from where he left off, bagging a brace in Napoli's Serie A opener
• Conversely, Madrid have been extremely productive in their two outings without Karim Benzema

Carlo Ancelotti recently discussed the transfer rumours swirling around Napoli's forward, Victor Osimhen, and a potential move to Real Madrid.

Osimhen, who played a crucial role in ending Napoli's 33-year Italian Serie A drought, was rumoured to be a candidate to replace Karim Benzema at Madrid, who departed for Saudi Pro League champions Al-Ittihad.

Benzema's move to the Middle East created an opportunity for Real Madrid to find a suitable successor, leading to speculation about several high-profile strikers, including Harry Kane, currently at Bayern Munich, and long-term target Kylian Mbappe.

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Also among them was the prolific Nigerian goal scorer, Osimhen, who clinched the Serie A's top scorer prize last season.

However, despite these rumours, Real Madrid have adapted well. Their summer signing, Jude Bellingham has complemented the Brazilian duo of Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo in attack, GOAL reports.

When asked about the potential signing of Osimhen to fill Benzema's shoes, Ancelotti expressed admiration for the former LOSC Lille centre forward, but swiftly dismissed the links, citing Bellingham's arrival as a resolution to any concerns about the striker position.

“Osimhen is one of the best strikers in Europe but we never thought about him. With the arrival of Bellingham, we thought about compensating Benzema’s departure in other ways,” the experienced Italian manager said, as quoted by MadridXtra.

Osimhen compared to Ronaldo

Meanwhile, former Al-Nassr manager, Rudi Garcia, has drawn similarities between Osimhen and Cristiano Ronaldo.

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Speaking about his experience working with the Nigerian talent, Garcia showered praise on his centre-forward while also drawing a comparison to the five-time Ballon d'Or winner.

Osimhen tipped for prestigious prize

Sports Brief also reported that Asamoah Gyan, the legendary Ghanaian forward, has voiced his belief that Osimhen deserves to claim the prestigious title of the 2023 African Player of the Year.

Sadio Mane currently holds this accolade, having led Senegal to an Africa Cup of Nations triumph in 2022 and securing domestic honours with Liverpool.

However, Osimhen has now risen as the unmistakable frontrunner for this year's award, courtesy of his pivotal contribution in guiding Napoli to their first Serie A championship in 33 years.