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FC Bayern Munchen has reportedly dropped out of the race to sign Napoli striker Victor Osimhen.
The 24-year-old has been a standout for the Parthenopeans this season. He scored 22 goals in 27 league appearances and five goals in six Champions League appearances.
Osimhen’s goal in Thursday’s 1-1 draw at Udinese helped Napoli win their first top-flight title in 33 years. Osimhen suerpassed Samuel Eto’o (21) to become the highest-scoring African player in a single Serie A season.
The Nigerian’s impressive goal-scoring form has understandably piqued the interest of a number of top European clubs ahead of the summer transfer window, with Bayern Munich reportedly one of those keeping a close eye on his progress.
The German giants are likely to prioritize the signing of a new center-forward ahead of the 2023-24 season. They still want someone as great as Lewandowski who has left for Barcelona.
Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting has ably filled in as Bayern’s first-choice striker. Choupo- Moting has 17 goals in 29 games across all competitions this season. But the 34-year-old is now approaching the twilight of his career.
Osimhen was a major target for Bayern this summer. But they have decided not to pursue the striker because they are unwilling to pay a record price.
Osimhen’s contract at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium runs through June 2025. It is clear that Napoli values their No. 9 at more than £100 million.
FC Bayern Munchen dropped plans for signing Victor Osimhen
Bayern’s decision to withdraw from the race for Osimhen’s signature will give Premier League rivals Manchester United and Chelsea, as well as Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain, a boost.
This summer, Osimhen is a target for both Manchester United and Chelsea, with the former sending scouts to keep an eye on the striker all year.
Erik ten Hag is on the lookout for a new center-forward, with Burnley loanee Wout Weghorst set to leave Old Trafford and return to his parent club at the end of the season.
It remains to be seen whether the Red Devils will pursue Osimhen further, as they are also said to be interested in Tottenham Hotspur’s Harry Kane and Eintracht Frankfurt’s Randal Kolo Muani.
Chelsea, meanwhile, may re-enter the transfer market this summer, despite spending more than £600 million on new players in the previous two transfer windows.
The Blues are planning to offload a number of unnecessary players in order to raise cash. After scoring 31 goals in 33 Premier League games this season, they’ll most likely prioritize signing a new striker.
PSG is also rumored to be looking for attacking reinforcements. The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi set to leave at the end of the season when his contract expires.
