Arsenal have indicated to Napoli that they will not honor Victor Osimhen’s €130 million (£110.8m) release clause.
Manager Mikel Arteta is in search of a new striker for the team after a close miss at the Premier League title this season.
Benjamin Sesko, a RB Leipzig forward who netted 14 goals in the Bundesliga, is reportedly a top contender for Arsenal, with a €65m (£55.2m) release clause making him available.
Despite Arsenal’s high regard for Osimhen, Sky Sports Italy reports that they are hesitant to proceed with a deal due to the steep price tag.
Napoli have been willing to sell Osimhen for some time, but president Aurelio de Laurentiis is waiting for an offer that meets the Nigeria international’s €130m (£110.8m) clause.
No offers close to this amount have been made, and while Saudi Pro League clubs could afford it, Osimhen prefers to stay in Europe.
Napoli might consider reducing Osimhen’s price, particularly as they need his transfer fee to finance new signings this summer.
The club aims to reunite head coach Antonio Conte with Romelu Lukaku, who is returning to Chelsea after a loan at Roma.
Chelsea are demanding that Lukaku’s £38m release clause be met and believe that Osimhen must leave Napoli before they can pursue the Belgian.
Chelsea have also shown interest in Osimhen but have decided against signing him this summer due to his high transfer fee and injury concerns.
