Man U and Chelsea may have to forget about Osimhen as Napoli say he is not for sale

MANCHESTER United and Chelsea could be forced to look elsewhere for striking reinforcements during the summer as Italian side Napoli has told them both that Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen who they currently have their eyes on is not for sale.

According to Italian football magazine Gazzetta dello Sport, both clubs are prepared to break the bank for the Super Eagles striker. Osimhen has been in fantastic form this season, scoring 16 goals across all competitions, catapulting his club Napoli to the top of Serie A and on course to win their first scudetto since the days of Diego Maradona.

Both sides had resigned themselves to forking out about €120m for Osimhen at the end of the season but Napoli president Aurelio de Laurentiis has poured cold water on their aspirations. He has just revealed that Osimhen is not for sale this summer under any condition.

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag, has been thought to be keen on Osimhen as he desperately needs a goalscorer sand was going to sign either the Super Eagles striker or England skipper Harry Kane. His hand could now end up being forced by the hard-nosed Napoli chairman, who wants to continue building for the future as Napoli close in on the Serie A title.

Mr De Laurentiis said: “I can tell you that Osimhen is not for sale. Our players are in demand but I don't have to sell anyone as we don't have any debts."

Osimhen's current deal is due to run until the summer of 2025, meaning Napoli hold all the cards should they receive any bids for this season's impending top scorer winner. He currently tops the goalscoring charts in Italy having struck 16 times in 17 outings for the Partenopei.

Chelsea are also tracking Osimhen but ultimately, there is every chance he will remain at Napoli where he is playing the best football of his career. Speaking in December, Osimhen made it clear he found it hard to envisage leaving Napoli after setting his sights on silverware.