Napoli president gives mixed messages over Victor Osimhen future

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Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has offer mixed messages on Victor Osimhen’s future.

Speaking at a press conference to unveil new manager Rudi Garcia, De Laurentiis says he has a verbal agreement with the striker on a contract extension.

Manchester United have been repeatedly linked with a move for Victor Osimhen, Serie A’s leading goalscorer last season.

However, The Mail report Napoli have a staggering £130 million asking price, which means a move to United currently looks far-fetched.

READ: Confirmed Manchester United transfers in, out, loans, releases, youth for 2023/24

De Laurentiis on Osimhen

Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis says his preference is for Victor Osimhen to remain as a Napoli player, after leading the club to the Serie A title.

He was quoted via Fanta Calcio: “He’s a footballer who is tied to this city, he’s given a lot as a man. Osimhen must stay, I’ve already said it on several occasions.”

But the outspoken Italian did go on to add that he is open to a mega-offer. In other words, if Manchester United, Chelsea, Real Madrid or Paris Saint-Germain meet his £130 million asking price, Napoli would find it tough to say no.

He also added that he has an agreement with Victor Osimhen for a contract extension.

He said: “Then if an offer arrives that would be good for Napoli, at that point we will evaluate.

“There is maximum transparency between us, there is already an agreement for a further two-year extension with Napoli.”

Osimhen’s current contract at Napoli runs until June 2025. Napoli are rightly nervous that next summer, they will be in a weak position, having to cash in for less than their preferred price, or risk him walk on a free a year later.

From a Manchester United perspective, that’s actually the best chance to finally land Osimhen, if his contract runs down.

So if De Laurentiis is right, that an extension agreement to 2027 has been struck, it’s bad news for United long-term, as it simply keeps up this no-win scenario of pay a crazy fee, or don’t get him at all.