Florian Plettenberg reports that Arsenal made a “loose approach” for Napoli striker Victor Osimhen weeks ago, but the player is not currently pushing for a move to the Premier League.
Instead, Plettenberg claims Osimhen is keen to join Paris Saint-Germain, and they are “definitely” his preferred destination.
Yet the situation isn’t simple, with PSG restricted on their ability to make forward signings, and Chelsea still pushing to sign the centre-forward as well.
Fabrizio Romano had reported earlier this week that Chelsea have never left the race for Osimhen, but the player insists on a permanent transfer rather than a loan, and he won’t lower his salary demands.
Romano was less convinced by reports of interest from Arsenal or PSG, writing that he’s not aware of any ongoing negotiations with clubs other than Chelsea.
The journalist did confirm that PSG had the green light from Osimhen, but the Ligue 1 club then started working on different targets.
Osimhen has reportedly told Napoli that he wants to leave the club this summer.
But with only one team seriously in negotiations and no suggestion they’re willing to meet Napoli’s demands, with Osimhen keen to go somewhere else, that transfer exit is looking increasingly difficult to complete.
The striker scored 17 goals and assisted four in 32 games this season amid a couple of injury setbacks and his month-long run to the final of the Africa Cup of Nations.