Galatasaray-Napoli Talks Over Osimhen Set To Collapse, Lookman Gathers More Suitors

Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen’s permanent move to Turkey is facing a fresh setback, as reports revealed a fiery breakdown in talks between Galatasaray and Napoli.

Turkish football analyst, Ugur Karakullukçu has lifted the lid on the behind-the-scenes drama surrounding Galatasaray’s failed attempt to make Osimhen’s loan deal permanent.

The 26-year-old Nigerian had a sensational season on loan at the Turkish giants, racking up 37 goals and 8 assists in 41 matches across all competitions. He helped Galatasaray to win a domestic double.

However, despite Osimhen’s heroics, negotiations for a full transfer have halted as Napoli’s hierarchy refused to cooperate with the Turkish side.

“While Galatasaray’s management was in Italy for the Osimhen talks, the Napoli president [Aurelio De Laurentiis] told the middleman on his boat, ‘Tell these guys I am not selling to Galatasaray. They should get lost,’” Karakullukçu revealed during a recent appearance on Habersarikirmizi.

“He is not actually saying, ‘Get lost,’ he is saying something more serious. I am saying it politely. This is literally true,” the pundit added, suggesting a deep breakdown in relations between the two clubs.

Osimhen, who still has suitors across Europe, could now be headed elsewhere, with Premier League and Serie A clubs keeping tabs on the situation.

Meanwhile, another Nigerian forward, Ademola Lookman, has continue to attract more suitors in the ongoing summer transfer window.

According to Corriere dello Sport, Inter Milan are stepping up efforts to sign Lookman from Atalanta, with the Nerazzurri viewing the 26-year-old as a direct replacement for Mehdi Taremi who is reportedly being pursued by Fulham and Turkish side Besiktas.

Lookman is coming off a productive season in Bergamo, having netted 15 goals and notched 4 assists in 31 appearances. He resumed pre-season training with Atalanta on Tuesday but may not be there for long.

Inter are prepared to table a €35 million bid for the forward, although Atalanta are said to be holding out for closer to €50 million. The Nigerian winger has just one year left on his current deal, potentially giving buyers leverage in negotiations.

Juventus, Arsenal, Barcelona, and Atletico Madrid have also been credited with interest in the former Leicester City man.