By Ohuakanwa Chibuzo
Nigeria international striker Victor Osimhen is on the brink of completing his transfer from Napoli to Paris Saint-Germain, with the deal expected to be finalized by Thursday, according to Italian outlet Corriere dello Sport.
Speculation intensified over the weekend, suggesting that the French champions are close to finalizing the transfer for Osimhen. Reports indicate that Napoli is willing to offer a slight discount on Osimhen’s €130 million release clause to facilitate the move.
According to Football Italia, PSG has turned its full attention to securing the services of the 25-year-old striker. The Parisian club has been in close communication with Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis and Osimhen’s agent, Roberto Calenda, in recent days.
READ ALSO: De Bruyne set to leave Man City after agreeing terms with Al-Ittihad
Victor Osimhen was notably absent from Napoli’s second pre-season friendly match on Saturday, a game in which coach Antonio Conte’s side triumphed 3-0 over Mantova. This followed their earlier 4-0 victory against Anaune Val di Non in their first pre-season match.
Reports from Football Italia on Monday suggest that Corriere dello Sport has detailed Napoli’s hope to finalize the sale of Osimhen to PSG by Thursday. This move would then allow Napoli to pursue a deal with Chelsea for Romelu Lukaku, who is eager to reunite with coach Antonio Conte.
Lukaku, who recently returned from a holiday in Turkey, is individually training in preparation for the potential transfer. The Belgian striker has agreed to a three-year contract worth €10 million gross per season, benefiting from the Growth Decree tax relief.
Napoli is expected to pay Chelsea around €25 million, including add-ons, for Lukaku, significantly lower than his €44 million (£37.5 million) release clause.