Victor Osimhen’s Replacement Meets With Napoli Ahead of Potential Summer Move

Victor Osimhen’s Replacement Meets With Napoli Ahead of Potential Summer Move

Chukwu Ikechukwu
April 17, 2024 at 10:48 AM
In this article:
Victor Osimhen logo
V. Osimhen
Napoli logoFNigeria logo
Jonathan David logo
J. C. David
Lille logoFCanada logo
Napoli logo
Napoli
Italy
33
Lille logo
Lille
France
37
Nigeria logo
Nigeria
Nigeria
21
Italian Serie A logo
ITA Serie A
Italy
French Ligue 1 logo
FRA Ligue 1
France
  • Jonathan David’s representatives have met with Napoli over a potential move
  • The Lille forward has been touted as Victor Osimhen’s replacement at Napoli
  • Napoli are ready to sell off the Nigerian when the summer window opens

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Jonathan David’s agent has reportedly met with Napoli’s incoming Sporting Director Giovanni Manna ahead of a potential deal for the Lille forward when the summer transfer window opens.

The 24-year-old forward has emerged as a prime candidate to replace Victor Osimhen at Napoli next season as the Parthenopei prepares to offload the reigning African Footballer of the Year in the summer.

Jonathan David, Victor Osimhen, Lille, Napoli, Italy
Jonathan David has been identified by Napoli as the ideal forward to replace Victor Osimhen at the club next season. Photo by Matt McNulty.
Source: Getty Images

According to Football Transfers, Osimhen will depart the Italian club this summer after penning a new one-year deal just this winter with a €130 million release clause with Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea interested in signing the forward.

Arsenal and Manchester United have also been linked with a surprise interest in the Napoli forward although PSG are reported to be leading the race to sign the Nigerian as a replacement for outgoing Kylian Mbappe.

Osimhen led Napoli to winning their first Serie A title in 33 years last season, scoring 26 goals in the process to become a fan favourite at the Naples club.

Jonathan David eager for Napoli move

Meanwhile, Lille forward David has expressed his approval of Napoli's project and appears eager to join the Italian club in the summer even if they fail to qualify for Europe.

The 24-year-old Canadian striker is apparently looking for a five-year contract with Napoli worth approximately €3 million net per season, plus further performance-based bonuses.

Napoli will however face competition for David as rivals Inter Milan and AC Milan have also indicated interest in signing the Lille forward in the summer.

Why Osimhen would suit Arsenal

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that former Somali national team head coach Said Abdi Haibeh believes Arsenal is the best fit for Osimhen.

The Nigerian striker has 15 goals for Napoli this season and, despite his lack of form, remains a top target for the summer transfer market.

While Chelsea and Arsenal appear to be competing for his signature in England, PSG is rumoured to be a major contender in France.

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..