Galatasaray are hopeful of persuading Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen to remain at the club beyond this season, while his parent club Napoli do not want to sell him to their rivals Juventus.
Osimhen is on a season-long loan at Galatasaray from Napoli, who are reportedly ready to sell the Nigeria international for €75 million.
While the asking price is believed to be beyond Galatasaray and Osimhen is reportedly eyeing a move to a bigger league, the Turkish champions are not giving up just yet.
“There are always rumours about me, but I live in the moment,” Osimhen said in a recent interview as he appeared to suggest he would be leaving Galatasaray at the end of his loan spell.
“I’m enjoying all of this. The fans have supported me incredibly. Not just me, but my teammates and family, too. The best decision for everyone will be made. But Galatasaray will always remain in my heart.”
Responding to the statement on Monday, Galatasaray vice-president Ibrahim Hatipoplu said: “His words don’t mean he’s leaving. He said that even if he left in the worst-case scenario, Galatasaray would always be in his heart.
“But he didn’t say he’s leaving. We want him to stay with us.”
Meanwhile, reports in Italy claim Napoli President Aurelio De Laurentiis has ruled out the possibility of Osimhen joining Serie A rivals Juventus, who have been heavily linked with the 26-year-old former African Player of the Year.
According to reports from Radio Kiss Kiss, De Laurentiis claims that he will ‘never’ negotiate with Juventus for Osimhen, particularly given that there is still interest from clubs in the English Premier League, France and Saudi Arabia.
Osimhen has enjoyed a very successful spell at Galatasaray on a personal level, registering 29 goals and five assists in 33 appearances for the Turkish Super Lig leaders.
