Napoli Deny ‘Frosty’ Relationship With Osimhen

Serie A champions, Napoli have denied tensions between the club and Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen after reports suggested talks over a new contract were at a standstill.

Osimhen was Serie A’s top scorer last season with 26 league goals .

He has scored six goals so far this campaign but recently injured his hamstring on international duty.

Osimhens’ current contract expires in 2025, but Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis was reported to have claimed that his “mood has changed” and are willing to sell the Nigeria international in case he fail to sign a new contract.

Napoli suggested De Laurentiis’ comments had been distorted, adding;

“President De Laurentiis did not say anything negative about Victor.

He simply stated that after a series of lengthy contract negotiations which ended with the parties shaking hands and agreeing to continue together, Victor had second thoughts.

President De Laurentiis hopes this is merely a pause for reflection. Over the coming weeks, when Victor will not be able to play as he recovers from injury, the president, Osimhen and his agent Roberto Calenda will sit down calmly to discuss the future.”

Meanwhile, in quotes reported by AFP, Napoli manager Rudi Garcia insisted he was calm about his own future at the club.

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Mixed results so far this season sees the club currently sit fifth in Serie A, and there have been reports of former Tottenham boss Antonio Conte was being lined up to replace Garcia.

“I am serene and calm,” said Garcia, who took over from Luciano Spalletti in the summer.

What has been said and written is exaggerated. I’m not saying we’ve done everything well, but we haven’t done everything badly either.

What matters is my relationship with the club that has supported me, with the president, with the managers and with my players.”

The 24-year-old had a verbal agreement in place on a new contract in the summer.