Italian coach urges Napoli to not sell Osimhen amid Manchester United, Chelsea interest

The Super Eagles star has been spectacular for the Partenopeans since last season, and a lot of time clubs have their eyes on him

Italian coach Gianluca Atzori has advised Napoli against selling Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen despite interest from Manchester United and Chelsea.

Osimhen has been phenomenal for Napoli since last season. Under pressure after Napoli paid Lille over €70 million for his services in 2020, Osimhen struggled to settle into the club in his first season.

He was hampered by injuries, but the 24-year-old hitman managed to score ten league goals in 24 games.

However, since last season, Osimhen has sealed his spot amongst the elite of Europe. The Nigerian striker scored 14 goals in Serie A last season to help Napoli to a third-place finish.

This season, he has been beastly in front of goal. He has scored 16 goals in 17 games for the Partenopeans, contributing significantly to his side’s first-place position on the log.

Osimhen’s performances have turned the head of some big clubs. Last summer, Manchester United, Arsenal and Newcastle were heavily linked with him.

However, they were unable to prise him away from Napoli.

Italian tactician Atzori has been impressed with what Napoli have achieved this season. And he wants continuity at the club. For that to happen, he has advised them to not sell Osimhen despite the offers from abroad.

“I would never let Osimhen go, even if in today’s football nobody is non-transferable,” Atzori told Napoli Magazine.

“The cycle can be opened, provided that good players integrate with the best in the squad.

“Then, if Napoli are good enough to let Osimhen leave and sign a better striker, hats off. But it’s not that easy.”

Napoli have not won the league in over thirty years. If they can achieve it this season, Osimhen would go down as one of the greatest to ever grace Naples.