The agent of Napoli striker Victor Osimhen has taken to social media to hit out at the latest transfer rumour involving his client and demand ‘respect’ from the media.
The future of the Nigerian striker has been a hot topic this summer, with the likes of Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain all linked with the 25-year-old who has scored 65 goals over the past four seasons with Napoli.
The latest report over Osimhen’s future concerned Chelsea’s interest, with The Athletic reporting that Napoli are in discussions with the Blues over a deal that would see Romelu Lukaku head to Naples, with Osimhen going the other way on loan with an option to buy.
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That deal would see Lukaku reunited with new Napoli head coach Antonio Conte after the par worked together for two years when the striker was on loan at Inter Milan, while Chelsea would land one of the best centre-forwards in world football.
But it would appear that Osimhen’s agent, Roberto Calenda, is not impressed by this report.
“I’ve read about unfounded imaginary trades involving Victor, shipped around like a package ready for delivery,” he fumed on X. “But remember that this “package” is the top scorer of the third scudetto in Naples’ history. Respect and no more fake news!@
Leggo di scambi fantasiosi con Victor spedito di qua e di là come se fosse un pacco da consegnare velocemente. Questo pacco peró è il capocannoniere del terzo scudetto della storia del Napoli. Rispetto e stop con le fake news!!!!#teamRC @victorosimhen9 🇬🇧 I’ve read about…July 30, 2024
This comes after Osimhen was left out of Napoli’s squad for their latest pre-season friendly against Egnatia, further increasing speculation that the forward could be set to seal a move away from the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.
The forward has a reported £110million release clause in his latest contract which he signed in December, with Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis saying shortly after that deal was done that he expected Osimhen to leave the club this summer.
"We knew it since last summer, the negotiations for his renewal have been long and friendly for that reason, we knew perfectly that he will go to Real Madrid, PSG or some Premier League team,” he said.
Chelsea would struggle to meet this asking price, with the club said to have identified Atletico Madrid’s 20-year-old forward Samu Omorodion as a cheaper alternative.
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