Why Arsenal have ended their pursuit of Osimhen

Premier League runners-up Arsenal have reportedly ended their chase of Napoli's Victor Osimhen due to his staggering release clause of €130m, PUNCH reports.

Osimhen, 25, has been linked with a move away from the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium after four successful seasons at the club in which he led them to their first Scudetto title in 33 years.

Despite signing a contract extension with the Partenopei last December, the reigning African Player of the Year is set to leave the Naples-based club this summer, as confirmed by club president Aurelio De Laurentiis.

Arsenal emerged as one of the frontrunners for the Nigerian striker's signature following his explosive season with Napoli in the 2022/2023 season, along with Premier League rivals Chelsea and Manchester United.

Osimhen was also linked to Paris Saint-Germain as a potential replacement for Kylian Mbappe, who has officially joined Real Madrid.

A potential move to Chelsea could also not materialize as new Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca is said to be interested in signing a striker with the technical ability to drop deep and link up play.

According to Sky Italia, Arsenal have informed Napoli that they will not meet their £110.6m demands, especially after breaking their own transfer record with the £105m capture of Declan Rice last summer.

The Gunners have now turned their attention to RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko who has a release clause of £55m.

De Laurentiis will now be under pressure to reduce the transfer fee of the former Lille striker to attract potential suitors interested in his services.

WDN