CHELSEA, MANCHESTER UNITED and Arsenal have been given a boost in their battle to sign Napoli striker Victor Osimhen.
The Italian club are reported to have lined up a replacement for the Nigerian centre forward, paving the way for him to make a big-money move to the Premier League this summer.
Lille frontman Jonathan David, himself a target for a number of Premier League clubs, is the man Napoli want to fill Osimhen’s boots.
According to Gazzetta Dello Sport, Canada international David is ready to join the Italian club even if they fail to qualify for European football next season.
Napoli and Lille are said to be haggling over David’s transfer fee, with the Italians said to be offering £30m plus bonus payments while the Ligue 1 side want £42.7m up front.
But the negotiations appear to signal that Napoli are resigned to losing Osimhen, the striker who fired them to the Serie A title last season, this summer.
Osimhen’s release clause is believed to be up to £110m, putting him within the reach of only a small number of clubs.
Long-term suitors Chelsea and United would have to raise money through sales to be able to afford the 25 year old.
Arsenal would also have to think hard about breaking the club transfer record they set when Declan Rice arrived from West Ham for £105m.
The Premier League trio are also likely to face stiff competition from Champions League semi-finalists Paris Saint-Germain.
The French side regard Osimhen as the best candidate to replace star striker Kylian Mbappe, with the Frenchman all but certain to join Real Madrid on a free transfer this summer.
Napoli are prepared to triple David’s wages at Lille to nearly £60,000 per week and to give the 24 year old a five-year deal.
New York-born David helped Lille win a shock French title in his first season at the club in 2020/1 and has continued to bang in the goals.
The former Gent striker has found the net 81 times in 175 appearances for Lille.
