Victor Osimhen, the Nigerian striker who plays for Napoli, is a football wunderkind.
Standing 6'1" tall, this 25-year-old football star dominates the headlines. Indeed, talk of a Victor Osimhen transfer decision is rife, with The Gunners and The Blues both vying for this superstar.
He began his football career playing for Wolfsburg, Germany. But the Bundesliga wasn't a happy stomping ground for him.
Next, he moved to Lille for a single season at the Ligue 1 side and scored 18 goals. That's when he caught the eye of the legendary Serie A team, Napoli.
Osimhen has featured prominently in the Italian Serie A for four seasons, including the following:
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2020/2021 – Napoli - 16 starts, 10 goals, 3 assists
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2021/2022 – Napoli – 23 starts, 14 goals, 2 assists
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2022/2023 – Napoli – 30 starts, 26 goals, 4 assists
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2023/2024 – Napoli - 11 starts, 7 goals, 3 assists
With legendary Premier League teams, including Arsenal and Chelsea, racing to sign him, the transfer market is abuzz with talk of Victor Osimhen next club odds.
Indeed, all indications point to Stamford Bridge, with Chelsea hot in pursuit of his football prowess.
The Nigeria-born football international is said to be the go-to player for Mikel Arteta and Mauricio Pochettino's teams. Indeed, both these ranking teams lack an effective striker, and Osimhen fits the bill.
Thanks to Osimhen, Nigeria qualified for the knockout stages of the African Cup of Nations (AFCON).
That he already inked a deal to remain with Italian Serie A team Napoli throws cold water on a January Victor Osimhen transfer. Plus, there's also the issue of a £102 million release clause built into his Napoli contract.
The Blues Are Leading the Charge
All indications point to Chelsea as the number one contender for the Nigeria striker.
Given that Osimhen admitted in a TV interview that the English Premier League was the biggest in the world, it makes sense that he would consider one of the legendary teams, boosting Osimhen next club odds with Chelsea.
According to the superstar himself, 'Of course, the Premier League is one of the biggest leagues in the world. Now I'm with Napoli, I signed a new contract, I'm enjoying my time there, going through it with the team.'
The current speculation that he will transfer to the Premier League makes sense; it's just a question of timing. Once the current season is over, it seems safe to assume Victor Osimhen's next club odds favour Chelsea, or perhaps Arsenal.
Pundits have listed several clubs as potentials for next season, including the following:
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Chelsea – 8/1
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Arsenal – 10/1
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Saudi PL Club – 12/1
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PSG – 14/1
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Manchester United – 14/1
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Barcelona – 16/1
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AC Milan – 20/1
The striker has alluded to his future plans, which invariably include a spell with a Premier League team.
He plans to take some much-deserved time off at the end of the season and spend it with his daughter. After that, the transfer market will have a field day speculating on his next move.
The Decision Has Been Made – Chelsea or Arsenal to Get the Nod?
Given the lack of potency in the striker ranks of Chelsea and Arsenal, it makes sense to assume that Osimhen has his sights set on one of these teams.
Nothing is expected in January, but for the 2024/2025 season, the football forward intends to move to the United Kingdom and build an illustrious career in the Premier League. At just 25 years of age, he has at least a decade to showcase his brilliance to the world's ranking football league.
In his words, 'When you are one of the hottest strikers in the globe, you expect this kind of thing. Of course, EPL is one of the biggest and best leagues in the whole world.
'At Napoli, I just signed a new contract. I enjoy my time there, going through it with the team, and at the end of the season - I already made up my mind.'
Whatever decision is made, one thing is clear: whoever is keen for a Victor Osimhen transfer must shelve out top dollar. He certainly doesn't come cheap!
*Credit for all of the photos in this article belongs to Alamy*