“No, never at Juventus,” De Laurentiis closes door on Osimhen move

• Victor Osimhen’s summer future is once again under the spotlight as top European clubs circle for his signature.
• Despite Osimhen's loan success at Galatasaray, Napoli is firm on letting him leave permanently this summer
• Notably, his impressive form hasn’t gone unnoticed, with Manchester United, Chelsea, and Arsenal all linked to the Nigerian striker.

Super Eagles star Victor Osimhen’s name has once again taken centre stage in the transfer market, but Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has made one thing crystal clear: a move to Juventus is out of the question.

The Nigerian striker, currently on loan at Galatasaray, had tried to engineer a move away from Napoli last summer. Despite tensions with the club's hierarchy, the 26-year-old remained in Naples until a late loan deal saw him join the Turkish Super Lig side. Since then, he has continued his form in style, notching 29 goals and providing six assists under manager Okan Buruk.

As the season winds down, speculation about Osimhen’s next destination is heating up. Juventus were thought to be in the running, hoping to capitalise on the striker’s uncertain future. 

But De Laurentiis, speaking to Radio Kiss Kiss via Calciomercato, dismissed the idea with conviction, saying, 

“No! Never at Juventus.”

That declaration may have shut the door on one possible move, but it also reinforced the likelihood of Osimhen’s departure from Napoli this summer. 

The 2023 Serie A champions are expected to cash in on the forward, with Osimhen’s hefty wage demands, believed to be around €10 million per year, likely requiring deep-pocketed suitors.

Premier League heavyweights Manchester United, Arsenal, and Chelsea have all been linked with the former Lille forward. 

Each club is seeking a potent striker, and Osimhen’s goal-scoring record makes him a prime candidate. Napoli, for their part, will be eager to reinvest the funds into a replacement, particularly given Antonio Conte’s reliance on an aging Romelu Lukaku this season.

Speaking previously about his future, Osimhen kept his cards close to his chest, stating,

“There are always rumors about me, but I live the moment... The best decision will be made for everyone, but Galatasaray will forever remain in my heart.”

With his loan at Galatasaray nearing its end, and a title chase still underway, Osimhen remains focused on finishing strong. Where he lands next may depend on which club is willing to match both his ambition and his salary.

Osimhen, other Nigerian stars in contention for top honours at Nigeria Pitch Awards

Previously, TheRadar reported that on-loan Napoli forward Victor Osimhen was in contention for the annual Nigeria Pitch Awards. 

The event has been scheduled to take place on March 25, immediately after the Super Eagles' crucial World Cup qualifier against Zimbabwe. The event organisers confirmed that the prestigious award ceremony would be hosted at the Four Points by Sheraton in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, marking the 11th edition of the highly respected football awards.