Napoli now want £132m for Newcastle transfer target Victor Osimhen

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While Newcastle United have certainly spent money in the PIF era, they are so far yet to sign a true superstar.

Now, that is not to suggest the club necessarily should do that given just how successful their current recruitment policy has been. Still, at some point, Newcastle will surely enter the market and make a major statement by at least trying to land a leading name in world football.

That at least feels like a rather natural progression. Again, that is not to say the likes of Bruno Guimaraes and Alexander Isak aren’t the envy of other clubs, it’s just that the kind of teams Newcastle want to be competing with tend to go out and sign major names.

One of those is Napoli forward, Victor Osimhen.

The Nigerian forward has scored 25 goals across all competitions this season and has been linked with a major money move to St James’ Park. Described as the “real deal” by pundit Ally McCoist, the former Lille man has taken Europe by storm.

Napoli want big money for their star striker

Still, Napoli will not make things easy for any interested suitor.

According to the Evening Standard, the Serie A leaders are ready to demand between £88m and £132m for the 24-year-old.

With three years remaining on his contract, the club are in a strong bargaining position.

Chelsea and Manchester United are also said to be keen and the player himself is said to be aware of the interest from Stamford Bridge.

One summer too early for Newcastle?

While, as supporters, it is incredible to watch Newcastle’s ascent, players with the kind of options Osimhen will have may feel differently.

Given the Nigeria international will seemingly have the pick of Europe’s elite interested in him, Osimhen can afford to be selective.

Newcastle are still in the embryonic stages of their new era. Carabao Cup final aside, regularly competing for the biggest trophies in the game still feels a while off.

Certainly, the club are closer to doing so than in any time in recent memory but that will do little to convince a player who already has the option of joining a team currently at that level.