Victor Osimhen: 3 World Class Strikers Who Could Replace the Nigerian at Napoli

Victor Osimhen: 3 World Class Strikers Who Could Replace the Nigerian at Napoli

Chukwu Ikechukwu
March 20, 2024 at 6:49 AM
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V. Osimhen
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J. C. David
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  • Napoli have already begun the search for Victor Osimhen’s successor
  • The 25-year-old forward is expected to leave at the end of the season
  • Arsenal, Chelsea, and Paris Saint-Germain are keen on the Napoli star

Victor Osimhen’s days at Napoli are numbered, with the Super Eagles striker widely expected to leave the reigning Serie A champions at the end of the season after attracting interest from top European clubs.

Despite inking a contract extension until 2026 last December, top clubs such as Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea, Arsenal, and Manchester United have all been strongly linked with an interest in the 25-year-old striker.

Victor Osimhen, Napoli, Italy, Serie A, Lille, Nigeria, transfer, summer, window
Victor Osimhen is widely expected to leave Napoli at the end of the season. Photo by Ciancaphoto Studio.
Source: Getty Images

According to United In Focus, Italian agent, Roberto de Fanti, is expecting the Red Devils to make a move for Napoli’s £94 million striker, Osimhen, during the summer transfer window.

Chelsea are reportedly monitoring the striker and could make a bigger offer to Napoli to deter other clubs from beating them to the signature of the reigning African Footballer of the Year.

Napoli, on the other hand, are reportedly preparing for the departure of Osimhen and have lined up three possible strikers who could replace the Nigerian at the club next season.

Three strikers who could replace Osimhen

1. David Jonathan

Lille’s top marksman, David Jonathan, is said to top the list of strikers Napoli are considering to replace Osimhen next season.

The Canadian forward has scored an impressive 15 goals and 2 assists in 26 league appearances in the French Ligue 1 this season.

David, whose price tag is around €50 million, could follow in the footsteps of Osimhen as the Nigerian was bought from Lille for a club record deal of €70mil back in 2020.

2. Joshua Zirkzee

Bologna forward, Joshua Zirkzee, is also believed to be on the radar of Napoli this summer.

The former Bayern Munich youngster, who also has Nigerian roots, has lit up the Serie A with 10 goals and four assists in 27 league outings this season.

3. Santiago Gimenez

Feyenoord forward, Santiago Gimenez, is the final player claimed to be on Napoli’s shortlist of strikers to replace Osimhen at the Serie A club next season.

Napoli has sent scouts to watch the Mexican several times this season and it will be no surprise if the reigning Italian champions put in a bid to sign him in the summer.

Gimenez has scored 21 goals and created four assists in all competitions for Feyenoord this season.

Arsenal hold talks with Osimhen

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Arsenal's sporting director, Edu, reportedly met with Osimhen’s agent in 2022 before the Gunners ended up signing Gabriel Jesus from Manchester City.

The Gunners have seemingly reignited their interest in the Napoli forward during this season and would likely throw in a bid for the 25-year-old star when the summer transfer window opens.

Authors
Chukwu Ikechukwu photo
Chukwu Ikechukwu
Chukwu Ikechukwu Godwin is a journalist with over 9 years of experience in the Nigerian media industry. He has worked both in Radio (Today FM, Rhythm FM, Wish FM) and Television (Silverbird TV) as a Sports Analyst..