Napoli has denied rumors of a strained relationship with their Nigerian star striker, Victor Osimhen.
The club owner Aurelio De Laurentiis, in an interview with Mediaset on Thursday, stated that the Serie A champions are open to selling Osimhen if he opts not to renew his contract.
Some quarters believe that the relationship between the club and Osimhen has soured, possibly stemming from a controversial TikTok video posted on the club’s official account, which appeared to mock Osimhen.
However, both Napoli and Osimhen have issued statements addressing the matter. Despite De Laurentiis’s interview, speculation suggests that there is still tension between the two parties.
“President de Laurentiis never shared any negative comment about Victor. He just said that after verbally agreeing on plan to sign new deal, Osimhen changed his mind,” Napoli said.
“We hope it’s just stand-by moment to think about it. In the next weeks we will discuss with his agent Calenda about the future.
“Reports of tense situation between Napoli and Osimhen are 100% wide of mark.”
Osimhen is currently sidelined after sustaining a thigh injury on international duty last weekend.
He came off in the first half in the Super Eagles game against Saudi Arabia in Portugal.
The Nigerian striker has scored six goals in eight league appearances for Napoli this season.