PSG eye Osimhen as Mbappe’s replacement

Napoli striker, Victor Osimhen, has featured prominently on Paris Saint-Germain’s transfer shortlist after Kylian Mbappe informed the club of his intention to leave this summer.

The Star had reported that Mbappe will leave PSG at the end of the season.

The France captain, out of contract in the summer, was said to have communicated his decision to the PSG President, Nasser Al-Khelaifi, on Tuesday.

The Star also reported that the president and owner of Napoli, Aurelio De Laurentiis, said Osimhen will leave the club this summer and join either PSG, Real Madrid or an English club.

De Laurentiis said this while responding to an interview that Osimhen gave to American television network CBS at the just concluded Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cote d’Ivoire in which the 25-year-old striker said he had already “made up” his mind about his next move.

De Laurentiis said he was not surprised, even though Osimhen signed a contract extension with the Italian champions in December.

Italian media have reported that the contract contains a release clause of between 120 and 130 million euros ($130 million to $141 million).

Napoli owner: Osimhen’ll leave in summer

The Napoli owner added that he had been preparing for Osimhen to leave ever since.

Osimhen was the top scorer in Serie A last season, hitting 26 goals to propel Napoli to their first league title since 1990.

Meanwhile, PSG expect Mbappe to join Real Madrid at the end of the season once the terms of his exit are finalised.

The two parties, according to Sky Sports, still need to negotiate whether Mbappe will leave for a fee or sacrifice his own earnings. PSG have Mbappe’s word that he will never leave on a free transfer.

Real Madrid hold a long-term interest in the 25-year-old forward, who would have to take a pay cut to join the Spanish side, even though they are prepared to make him the highest-paid player in their history.

PSG turned down a €220 million (£188 million) offer for Mbappe from Real Madrid in August 2021. The forward then chose to sign a new three-year deal with PSG that expires this summer.

If Mbappe were to extend his deal by a further year, PSG would value him at €150 million (£128 million) in the upcoming transfer window. They accepted €300 million (£256 million) from Saudi club Al Hilal last summer, which Mbappe turned down.

The departure of Mbappe, whose wages cost PSG €200 million (£171 million) per year, will free up funds for the club to replace their star player and it is understood there are already plans to make multiple signings this summer.

The Star