Ex-Azzurri striker places Osimhen above Italy no.9, warns Napoli Nigeria star is irreplaceable

Published on by Godfred Budu

Former Italy international Giuseppe Galderisi holds the opinion that Napoli will struggle to replace a player of Victor Osimhen's calibre elsewhere in Europe.

Osimhen has played a vital role in Napoli's setup over the past three seasons, emerging as a key cog for the team.

The Super Eagles forward was instrumental in their Serie A success last season, scoring 26 goals.

This season, he has netted 15 goals in 23 Serie A matches and provided three assists. In the UEFA Champions League, he has scored two goals in six appearances.

Osimhen's impressive displays at Napoli have garnered attention from several prominent European clubs including Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool.

Ex-Italy striker places Osimhen above Azzurri no.9, warns Napoli Nigeria star is irreplaceable
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There's a strong possibility that the former Lille player will depart in the summer. Nevertheless, Napoli stands to receive a substantial transfer fee, given that the 25-year-old is estimated to be worth approximately €120 million.

Galderisi: Napoli faces striker conundrum amid Osimhen speculation

With Victor Osimhen's potential departure looming, Napoli finds themselves at a critical juncture in their squad planning.

The team's lineup is currently incomplete, and much will hinge on finding a suitable replacement for Osimhen.

While acknowledging the difficulty of filling his shoes, it's evident that Napoli will require a top-class striker to maintain their competitive edge.

“(Gianluca) Scamacca is doing extraordinary things this year but he is different from Osimhen. All you have to do is to serve and he scores goals. The European championships will be fundamental for him to understand how much of an impact he can in certain competitions,” said Gaderisi, stressing the unique qualities of both Scamacca and Osimhen.

The 61-year-old further expressed reservations about the potential replacement of Osimhen, stating, “Replacing Victor Osimhen with Scamacca is a big risk. Osimhen? He moves with ease. He always makes the right movement and when he starts again, he becomes uncatchable. I would have rewarded his gesture on the occasion of his second goal in Udine. I would have given him the goal. You can't find another Osimhen in Europe, the, we need to understand what Napoli wants to do.

“A lot will also depend on Osimhen's replacement. It will be difficult to find a top striker like him but the Azzurri will certainly need one.”

He further speculated on potential destinations for Osimhen, stating, “The teams that can afford the Nigerian are four, three English clubs and PSG which I spoke about because given, Mbappe's departure, they need a strong striker, a champion. However, whether Osimhen could go to Chelsea or other English clubs is all there,” Galderisi said on the programme Radio Goal, live on Kiss Kiss Napoli.

Ex-Italy striker places Osimhen above Azzurri no.9, warns Napoli Nigeria star is irreplaceable
Photo by Icon Sport

Galderisi earned ten caps for Italy from 1985 to 1987, but did not manage to find the net during his international appearances.

He debuted on June 2, 1985, in a 1–1 match against Mexico and was subsequently included in Italy's 1986 FIFA World Cup squad, led by manager Enzo Bearzot.

Who wins the race for Victor Osimhen's signature?

As the summer transfer window approaches, speculation surrounding Victor Osimhen's future intensifies.

The Nigerian striker has become one of the hottest commodities in European football, attracting interest from several top clubs vying for his signature.

With reports linking him to powerhouse teams like PSG, Chelsea, Liverpool, and previously Arsenal and Manchester United, the question on everyone's mind is: Who will emerge victorious in the race for Osimhen?

PSG's interest in Osimhen comes as no surprise, especially considering the potential departure of Kylian Mbappe.

Ex-Italy striker places Osimhen above Azzurri no.9, warns Napoli Nigeria star is irreplaceable
Photo by Icon Sport

The Parisian giants are in search of a top striker to fill the void left by Mbappe's possible exit, and Osimhen fits the bill perfectly.

His strength, pace, and goal-scoring prowess make him an ideal candidate to lead PSG's frontline and continue their pursuit of the elusive European glory.

Meanwhile, Chelsea's pursuit of Osimhen signals their ambition to bolster their attacking options. Liverpool's reported interest in Osimhen adds another dimension to the transfer saga.

While Arsenal and Manchester United were previously linked with Osimhen, their current transfer priorities may differ.

Both clubs have other areas of the squad that require immediate attention, and the competition for Osimhen's signature may be too fierce for them to pursue aggressively.

In December of last year, he renewed his contract with Napoli. Before Napoli can consider terminating their agreement with the Nigerian, this clause must be triggered.

Ultimately, only time will tell which club will emerge triumphant in securing the services of one of Europe's most sought-after strikers.

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Godfred Budu

Godfred Budu, a Ghanaian sports journalist, brings a dynamic perspective to the field with over a decade of experience. Having contributed to esteemed platforms such as Kickgh.com and Inkandkicks.com. Godfred is recognised for his insightful commentary and in-depth analysis of African football.
His passion for storytelling and commitment to accuracy have established him as a trusted authority in sports journalism in Ghana, captivating audiences with his engaging narratives and unparalleled expertise.
Godfred holds a degree in Integrated Development Studies (Social and Development Administration option) from the University for Development Studies, Ghana.