‘He gives little to Napoli’- Ex-Italy star says Arsenal target is better than Osimehn

The Nigerian star is one of Serie A’s hottest prospects, but a former Italy international believes he does not do enough for the Neapolitans 

Italian Legend Alessandro Altobelli has criticised Napoli forward Victor Osimhen for his injury issues, stating that Napoli would win the Serie A if they signed Fiorentina hitman Dusan Vlahovic.

Osimhen has had a topsy-turvy stay in Naples since he joined from Lille in 2020. The former Under-17 star was restricted to just 24 league appearances last season because of injury and Covid-19 issues.

Although he scored ten goals, Napoli missed out on Champions League qualification. This season, the Super Eagles star started like a house on fire, scoring nine goals in 14 appearances.

Unfortunately, he sustained an injury in November when Napoli’s clashed against Inter Milan in a 3-2 loss. He then suffered a setback when he contracted Covid-19 early in January, which ruled him out of the Nations Cup.

Meanwhile, Fiorentina talisman Dusan Vlahovic has been outstanding in the last two seasons. The Serbian forward has scored 38 goals in his last 58 Serie A appearances.

His knack for scoring goals has made him a target for the top European teams. Arsenal and Juventus have courted the Serbian hitman all through the winter transfer window. However, Turin looks like his likely destination.

Altobelli, who won the 1982 World Cup with Italy, believes that Vlahovic would fit into Napoli better than Osimhen because of his consistency.

“If Napoli had a strong striker at their disposal – and they did, that is Osimhen – where was he at this time?” Altobelli told TuttoNapoli.

“For me, Osimhen is a great striker, but in two years, he makes you ten games. He gives little to Napoli. I am of the opinion that Napoli must take on a great striker.”

“If Napoli had Vlahovic, they would be at the top of the table,” he added.

Osimhen has returned to action after his long layoff, but he is still searching for his first goal since his return.