NEWS. . . BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT
Arsenal are back in the race to sign Victor Osimhen from Napoli before the summer move window closes, according to reports in Italy.
The long history of the Osimhen club has been a saga that has continued during the summer. After asking to leave Napoli, Paris Saint-Germain led the race to sign the Nigerian foreigner before finalising negotiations last month, unwilling to pay Napoli’s asking price.
Gonçalo Ramos’ injury at the weekend led to brief hints that they could return for the striker, but the French champions do not have to agree a deal at this time.
Chelsea have been leading the pack ever since, with Enzo Maresca backing the club’s resolve to sign the 25-year-old to lead their new attack, which now includes Pedro Neto and Joao Felix.
Talks have begun between the two clubs, with Napoli willing to sign Blues sideline Romelu Lukaku to reposition Osimhen.
Chelsea cost £36m for the Belgium international, with a deal for Osimhen separate from Lukaku’s.
While Chelsea are keen to sign the Napoli star, reports in Italy suggest the Blues could now face a revamped Arsenal festival.
Corriere dello Sport claims the Gunners have joined the race to sign Osimhen, and Mikel Arteta is still keen to bring in the centre-forward to bolster his challenge for the Premier League name.
Napoli started the summer with nothing easy, with all interested clubs paying Osimhen’s €130m (£110m) release clause. That stance has softened, with the Serie A giants now hoping to raise €110m (£85m) for their prized asset.
The report suggests that Arsenal is capable of reaching this figure.
Kai Havertz started the new Premier League season as Arteta’s favourite option (scoring against Wolves on Saturday), while Gabriel Jesus struggled for goals last season.
The Gunners have only made one first signing this summer in Riccardo Calafiori, but are believed to be the last to reach an agreement to sign Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad.
The north London club could increase their budget by selling Eddie Nketiah, who agreed private terms with Nottingham Forest ahead of a £30m transfer.
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