•PSG back in Osimhen negotiations
French giants PSG are reportedly back on the negotiation table for the signature of Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen, a few days after seeing their offer for the striker turned down by Napoli, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
Napoli are prepared to part ways with the 25-year-old, who has a €130m release clause, which has been a clog in his transfer since the start of the summer window.
PSG have had a €200m offer for Osimhen, and Georgia international Khvicha Kvaratskhelia rejected it a few days ago, but the Ligue 1 giants are ready to reignite the pursuit of the Nigerian, while Chelsea are also considering him.
According to a report by L’Équipe, PSG will not activate Osimhen’s release clause of €130m million, which the French champions see as excessive, but will instead try and convince Napoli to lower their price.
The site reports that while PSG’s negotiations have stalled with Napoli over a potential deal for Kvaratskhelia, the French side are keen to ramp up talks with the Serie A side over Osimhen, who is seen as the club’s desired target for the number nine position.
However, PSG need to sell first to be able to afford Osimhen’s transfer fee. Randal Kolo Muani and Gonçalo Ramos are available for potential suitors this summer, and PSG are willing to listen to offers for the duo.
PSG had previously been linked with Osimhen in 2023 when they tried to persuade Napoli to part ways with him. However, Les Parisiens eventually gave up on their pursuit after two bids over €100 million were rejected by Napoli.
It remains to be seen if Osimhen will fancy a return to France, as he is reportedly interested in joining a Premier League team.
Napoli had also expected offers from English clubs (such as Manchester United, Arsenal, and Chelsea), but that has not happened, meaning PSG could relaunch negotiations.
Meanwhile, Osimhen has worked separately in Napoli’s pre-season training for the second day in a row due to muscle fatigue, according to multiple sources in Italy, including Il Corriere dello Sport.
According to reports, Osimhen didn’t join his teammates on the pitch but worked separately in the gym instead.
Osimhen was signed from Lille in 2020 for a fee of around €75m and he has gone on to establish himself as one of the most exciting strikers in world football.
In the 2022/23 season, the current African Player of the Year scored 25 league goals to lead Napoli to their first Serie A title in 33 years and also emerged as the league’s highest goal scorer.
He has scored 76 goals plus 18 assists in 133 appearances across all competitions for Napoli.