Napoli's president has claimed bids for Manchester United target Victor Osimhen will be considered this summer, but suggested the Nigerian forward has already agreed to extend his stay with the Serie A champions until 2027.
The 24-year-old is one of the most sought-after forwards in the world after a brilliant season. Osimhen's goals fired Napoli to their first Serie A title in over three decades and his displays in the Champions League were impressive.
Osimhen scored 31 goals in 39 appearances and he's now attracting interest from the Premier League, with Erik ten Hag among the managers in the division actively considering a bid for the striker in the summer window.
Chelsea are also interested in Osimhen and he's expected to leave Napoli following the departure of manager Luciano Spalletti.
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It's thought that a bid in excess of £100million will be needed to sign Osimhen, who has two years remaining on his contract in Naples, but club president Aurelio De Laurentiis discussed his future on Monday and there was a bizarre twist.
Although De Laurentiis confirmed bids for Osimhen would be listened to, he claimed a contract extension had been agreed.
"I spoke to him a few days before the Scudetto party. When I took him on, I wasn't wrong, he's a footballer who is tied to this city, he's given a lot as a man. Osimhen must stay, I've already said it on several occasions," De Laurentiis said.
"Then if an offer arrives that would be good for Napoli, at that point, we will evaluate. There is maximum transparency between us, there is already an agreement for a further two-year extension with Napoli".
There has been no official confirmation of De Laurentiis' claim and it seems a reference to a verbal agreement with the player. De Laurentiis has a reputation for being a tough negotiator in Italy and it's likely his comments were well thought out.
