Napoli have rejected a fresh €70 million bid from Galatasaray for Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen.
Fabrizio reported on Friday that the Turkish champions submitted the offer earlier in the day, including official banking documents to guarantee payment. However, Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis turned down the proposal, insisting on a full, guaranteed €75 million fee.
“Understand Napoli have now rejected new formal proposal sent by Galatasaray today for Victor Osimhen,” Romano posted. “Galatasaray offered €70m today with bank documents attached for payment guarantees… Napoli president De Laurentiis wants €75m guaranteed and he has rejected,” he added.
This latest rejection is another setback for Galatasaray in what has become a drawn-out pursuit of the Super Eagles forward. It also contradicts earlier reports suggesting both clubs were close to finalising an agreement that would see Galatasaray pay Osimhen’s release clause in instalments.
Despite Galatasaray meeting Napoli’s demand for bank-backed guarantees, the bid still falls short of the full release clause amount, prompting Napoli to walk away from the table once again.
Osimhen, who played a key role in Napoli’s Serie A triumph two seasons ago, remains one of the most coveted strikers in Europe. The 25-year-old previously turned down a more lucrative offer from Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal, choosing instead to continue his career in Europe.
Sources close to the player have made it clear he has no interest in a move to Saudi Arabia and is committed to staying in Europe. He spent last season on loan at Galatasaray and is reportedly keen on a permanent return to Istanbul.
Meanwhile, Napoli are said to have been pushing for a Saudi move, which would offer a higher financial return, but Osimhen’s preference has slowed any such possibility.
Interest from English clubs has also cooled. Arsenal are believed to be prioritising other attacking targets, while Manchester United have shifted focus to Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo amid concerns over Osimhen’s wage expectations.
Unless another club meets the €75 million release clause outright, Osimhen’s future remains uncertain, with Galatasaray still hopeful of landing the striker despite Napoli’s firm stance.
