Spurs could hijack Chelsea’s pursuit of Napoli star Victor Osimhen, claims transfer insider Keith Wyness
Tottenham Hotspur could hijack London rivals Chelsea’s pursuit of Napoli marksman Victor Osimhen, claims former Everton CEO Keith Wyness.
Victor Osimhen has been touted to leave Napoli all summer, with Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain among the leading candidates for his signature. The Nigeria international has been heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge. The Blues are understood to be in negotiations to sign the Napoli star in a cash-plus-player exchange that would Romelu Lukaku to move in the opposite direction.
There’s no stopping of rumours surrounding Osimhen’s future in Naples. Whether he stays at Napoli beyond the summer, leaves the club and joins Chelsea or moves abroad remains to be seen. But Keith Wyness feels Tottenham “could hijack” any deal for Osimhen and he “wouldn’t be surprised” to see the Lilywhites looking at the Nigerian star.
“The number nine, for me, is the difference in the top four race,” Wyness told Football Insider‘s Insider Track podcast.
“With the present squad, I think they’re still going to be lucky to qualify for Europe. There are a lot of clubs making big moves. They’re going to have to make that big signing.
“Archie Gray is a great talent, but that’s not the answer. There needs to be someone – like an Osimhen – to come in.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if Spurs are looking at and keeping themselves informed on Osimhen’s situation at Napoli. He’s one they need to keep their eyes on.”
Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou is looking to sign a striker before the August 3
0 transfer deadline. The club lost Harry Kane to Bayern Munich last summer and didn’t replace him at all. Postecoglou,with his tactics and methods, managed to cover up the Kane-shaped void in his debut season in north London but moving forward he knows the importance of bringing in a proper No.9 to lead his team’s attack.
Osimhen, in that regard, would just be perfect for Spurs. The Napoli hitman’s blend of pace, power, aerial prowess and goal-scoring prowess makes him a great option to lead the line for any club in Europe.
Despite not hitting the required standards at Naples this past season, the 25-year-old’s talent and potential remain undeniable, making him a sought-after commodity in the transfer market. It doesn’t require any special theory to explain why so many clubs are interested in securing his signature, including our cross-town rivals Chelsea.
Osimhen has a release clause of £110million in his current contract, which could be way too much for the Lilywhites. But Napoli are willing to listen to offers in the region of £84 million in order to ensure the Nigeria international leaves without much fuss and they succeed in bringing in Lukaku—Antonio Conte’s preferred No.9 target.
More Tottenham Hotspur News:
- “You never know” – Ex-Tottenham striker leaves the door ajar for potential N17 return in the future
- “If a massive bid comes” – Manager breaks silence on the future of ‘absolutely incredible’ Tottenham Hotspur target
- Postecoglou targets midfield reinforcement with £40m rated Tottenham target who is ‘an example’ for other players
This could offer Spurs a ray of hope in at least engaging in talks with Napoli for the centre-forward. The idea of including players who are on the fringes should be explored by our club, although the Serie A outfit are expected to ask for a straight cash deal to sell Osimhen.
All in all, a potential deal for Osimhen this summer looks highly unlikely but we must at least test Napoli’s resolve with a cheeky offer.
