Napoli find Osimhen replacement in Ligue 1 star

Napoli find Osimhen replacement in Ligue 1 star

Ayoola Kelechi 21:12 - 12.05.2023

Napoli could look to Lille again for a new striker if they decide to let go of record-breaking striker Victor Osimhen this summer

Napoli are believed to be making plans in case they lose Serie A top-scorer Victor Osimhen in the summer transfer window with Lille’s star forward Jonathan David their prime target to replace the Nigerian forward if he leaves. 

Napoli make plans in case of Osimhen departure

Napoli signed Osimhen from Lille in 2020 and the Super Eagles forward has grown from strength to strength in his three seasons in Serie A with the Naples club. 

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This season, Osimhen has scored 23 goals in the league, breaking the record for the most goals in a Serie A season by an African player and helping Napoli to a historic Scudetto victory, the first in the club’s history since the 1989/90 season. 

The 24-year-old forward has attracted interest from a number of clubs across Europe, with rumours of a summer move to Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, or Bayern Munich trailing Osimhen’s superb season. 

Napoli eye another Lille striker to replace Osimhen

Both Napoli and Osimhen appear to be opposed to a move this summer, but the Partenopei would certainly find it difficult to turn down offers in excess of €150 million for the Nigerian's services this summer. 

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If Osimhen does part ways with the Partenopei, they have already identified a striker from the Nigerian’s former club Lille to be his replacement at the Serie A club. 

Napoli believe that they could be lucky in Lille again, with Jonathan David their prime target for a summer move in the event that Osimhen leaves the club for greener pastures. 

David has scored 21 goals in 32 Ligue 1 games this season, making him the league’s third-highest top scorer, behind only Paris Saint-Germain’s Kylian Mbappe and Lyon’s Alexandre Lacazette. 

David could cost a fraction of whatever Napoli could potentially receive for Osimhen in the summer, making him a serious contender to replace the Super Eagles forward with some change to spare for other spots in the team. 

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