Napoli manager Rudi Garcia has confirmed that Victor Osimhen wants to stay at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona. The 24-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to Chelsea this summer, with Mauricio Pochettino in the market for a new striker despite having recently signed Nicolas Jackson .
Osimhen featured 32 times for the Italian giants in the Serie A last season, scoring 26 goals to get his hands on golden boot and the Scudetto. While Napoli are, understandably, desperate to hold onto the Nigeria international, football.london understands that the Blues have not been put off by their stubborn stance .
It's believed that the west Londoners view Osimhen as somebody who can transform the club's misfortunes in front of goal, but they're aware that without Champions League qualification any bid to sign him could prove difficult . With Chelsea said to be joined by several top clubs in the race to sign the £128million-rated Nigerian , the Napoli boss has issued a hands-off warning.
"Of course I have spoken to him," Garcia told reporters, as quoted by the Manchester Evening News . "I can assure you that he wants to stay, he is happy to be with us and still wants to do great things."
Last week, Aurelio de Laurentiis also attempted to fend off interest from Chelsea, insisting that Osimhen won't leave unless an 'obscene' offer is submitted. The Napoli president said:
"We will see Victor Osimhen wearing our shirt next season, that's for sure. "If a more than obscene offer arrives, we will move on and find another top talent, just like we did with [Khvicha] Kvaratskhelia and Osimhen."
Following Napoli's clash with Bologna in May, Luciano Spalletti was quizzed on the striker's future by DAZN. As quoted by Football Italia , Garcia's predecessor said:
"When players start working in a certain way, you identify their characteristics and find paths to give them service. "Osimhen is good in open spaces, in the air, with the ball passed to his feet. He will have an important future, no matter what team he plays in, and is above all a good lad too.
"His teammates love him, he helps them out and resolves situations rather than complains. He will become even more of a top player in future."