Victor Osimhen, the prolific Nigerian striker currently playing for Napoli, has officially ruled out any possibility of a transfer to Juventus ahead of the 2025/26 season, delivering a significant boost to both Arsenal and Manchester United in their pursuit of the forward, according to multiple credible reports from Italian media outlets.
According to Naples-based newspaper Il Mattino, the 26-year-old forward, who has enjoyed a remarkable season by scoring 36 goals across all competitions, has explicitly informed Juventus that he has no interest in moving to the Turin-based club. This decisive statement from Osimhen effectively removes Juventus from the race for his signature and shifts the spotlight onto Arsenal and Manchester United, who have both been closely monitoring his situation for several months as they prepare for the upcoming season.
Osimhen’s contract with Napoli includes a €75 million release clause; however, it reportedly does not apply to transfers within Serie A. This contractual detail further complicates any potential move to Juventus, making it virtually impossible for the Serie A champions to sign him this summer. This exclusion from Juventus’ reach has reignited optimism among Arsenal and Manchester United supporters and management, who see a greater chance of securing Osimhen’s services to strengthen their attacking options.
Meanwhile, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) remains interested in Osimhen, particularly after their recent acquisition of his former Napoli teammate Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in January. Additionally, clubs from the Saudi Arabian league, as well as his current loan club Galatasaray, have reportedly expressed interest in the striker’s signature. These developments suggest that while Juventus has been eliminated as a contender, the competition for Osimhen’s talents remains fierce on an international scale.
Osimhen’s current contract with Napoli runs through 2026, with the club holding an option to extend the deal until 2027 if a transfer does not materialize this summer. The club’s stance indicates a strong desire to retain the striker or at least ensure they receive a substantial fee if he eventually departs. For now, both Arsenal and Manchester United will be watching closely, hoping to capitalize on Juventus’ withdrawal and finalize a deal to bring one of Europe’s most sought-after forwards to their squads ahead of the new campaign.