Victor Osimhen’s new deal at Napoli is now in place, with a release clause that Arsenal could activate in the summer.
Following the recent reports that Victor Osimhen is set to sign a new contract with Napoli containing a release clause, Fabrizio Romano has now confirmed that the deal is in place.
According to Romano, Osimhen has given his assent to the new contract, everything is in place, and the documents will be signed shortly.
The new deal contains a release clause, giving the striker an exit strategy in the summer, but he’s not expected to leave in the January window.
Romano confirms that Arsenal are interested in the striker, along with Chelsea, and other clubs could join the race too.
Rai Sport journalist Ciro Venerato recently reported that Arsenal had already approached Osimhen’s agent, and the player’s contract extension is effectively more of a “planned farewell”.
Reports on social media broke the news of Arsenal’s continued interest in Osimhen last month, with claims that Osimhen is Mikel Arteta’s first-choice centre-forward signing.
Charles Watts reported in May 2022 that Arsenal had held talks with Osimhen’s agent, with the agent flying into London for a meeting with Edu Gaspar.
At the time, Napoli weren’t willing to sell, and Arsenal turned to Gabriel Jesus instead.
But Watts told his YouTube channel in November that Arsenal’s interest in Osimhen would not have gone away, and the Gunners do want a striker in the summer.
Osimhen has eight goals and three assists in his 16 appearances between Serie A and the Champions League so far this season.