“Spalletti didn’t jump for joy” – Savoldi disappointed with Osimhen’s EPL comments

The Nigerian international has never hidden his desire to play in the English Premier League

Former Napoli striker Gianluca Savoldi has expressed his disappointment with the recent comments made by Victor Osimhen regarding his “dream move” to the Premier League.

Speaking on TMW Radio's “Piazza Affari” show as per Tutto Napoli, Savoldi suggested that the Nigerian striker should have waited a little longer before making such comments, given the current situation at the club.

“Naples is a city that thrives on football,” said Savoldi. “Just imagine what is happening right now. If I know Spalletti, he didn't jump for joy hearing this statement either.”

Osimhen joined Napoli from Lille in a club-record deal in 2020 but struggled with injuries and form in his first two seasons in Italy.

But the Super Eagles striker has reached stratospheric levels this term, netting 19 Serie A goals. His brilliance has attracted interest from abroad, with Manchester United and Chelsea reportedly leading the pack of admiring English suitors.

While Napoli insists the club is not under any financial pressure to sell their best players this summer, Osimhen's recent comments have energised the rumour mills.

In a recent video on Sky Sports, Osimhen expressed his desire to play in the Premier League, saying: “I'm working so hard to make sure that I achieve my dream of playing in the Premier League one day.”

Savoldi, however, believes that such comments may not be well received by the Napoli faithful, especially given the current situation at the club.

Napoli are currently the runaway leader in Serie A and are favourites to land a first Scudetto title in more than three decades.

“It is human that Osimhen has the dream of going to play in the Premier League,” said Savoldi. “Perhaps, however, waiting a few weeks for these declarations would have made his words less noisy.”

Osimhen's comments may not have gone well with everyone associated with Napoli, but the 24-year-old's commitment to the club is not in doubt.

The Super Eagles striker will be one of the key men for the Neapolitans when they play host to Ademola Lookman's Atalanta on Saturday.