Outcome of Mbappe, PSG imbroglio may decide Osimhen future as Bayern speak on why they opt out of Nigerian signing

Napoli star Victor Osimhen’s long-term future with Napoli is still left undecided, but the situation surrounding Paris Saint-Germain and Kylian Mbappe could massively influence the Nigerian’s plans.

PSG are caught in a will-he-won’t-he situation with Mbappe. The Frenchman has been given an ultimatum by the club’s hierarchy. His contract is due to expire at the end of next season, but the Parisian club wants him to either sign a new contract or leave for a fee this summer.

It is widely believed that if he were to leave Paris, Mbappe would likely sign for Real Madrid, with whom he already has an agreement in principle on personal terms according to Il Corriere dello Sport.

If a move were to go through this summer, then PSG would be forced into immediate action in the transfer market.

 

That is where Osimhen comes in. It is still believed by Il Corriere dello Sport that he would be the go-to man to replace Mbappe if he were to leave this summer.

PSG are considered to be among the select few clubs in the world that would likely be able to pay Napoli and President Aurelio De Laurentiis the fee they would consider to be appropriate.

Another enticing aspect for PSG is that Osimhen currently earns roughly €4.5m per season at Napoli, a mere fraction of the wages currently commanded by Mbappe in France.

PSG, however, are also said to be keeping tabs on Randal Kolo Muani, who represented France during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Napoli are also hoping that Osimhen will agree to a new contract extension, ideally until 2027, which might help to fend off interest from other clubs for the foreseeable future.

Meanwhile, Uli Hoeness insists Bayern Munich won’t pay €180m for Osimhen and confirms interest in Dusan Vlahovic and Harry Kane.

The Bavarians are looking for a new center forward for 2023-24 and have already made an opening bid for Kane, but Tottenham wants more than the €70m proposed by the Bundesliga champions. Osimhen is another top transfer target for the Germans, but Bayern won’t match Napoli‘s €180m asking price.

“Bayern Munich doesn’t go along with that if the numbers of up to €180m are correct,” Bayern’s honorary President told t-online.de.

“I don’t know the exact budget, but there’s a lot of speculation about that. One thing is for sure: no matter what it ends up being, signing a top striker will be expensive.

“Kane would fit in very well if you want a guarantee of an immediate impact,” he continued.

 

“But there are a few other candidates. Overall, it’s just a very difficult market. There aren’t many excellent attackers, but there are significantly more offers and interested clubs than top strikers, and that makes things difficult.

“Kane has shown for almost a decade that he is a top striker. From that point of view, there will be few risks and many opportunities. He brings an incredible amount of experience and quality to the table. He can score goals with his right or left foot and headers. He’s a complete striker. Kane is 29 and would be an expensive signing. But quite clearly, he would be able to help Bayern immediately.”

 

France international Randal Kolo Muani, currently under contract with Eintracht Frankfurt is also an option for the Bavarians, but Hoeness seemingly prefers Osimhen if Kane doesn’t join.

 

“These [Kolo Muani and Osimhen] are both excellent strikers, even if both are 24 years old. Osimhen is a bit further because he has been playing in a top league for a long time. Bayern can plan ahead for a decade with any of them. Osimhen has a bit more experience. In Kolo Muani, on the other hand, there is still a lot of potential. Maybe he has shown 20 or 30 percent of his potential, which he can still develop once he has established himself in one of the top leagues.”.