AC Milan have revived their interest in Napoli striker Victor Osimhen amid growing uncertainty over his proposed move to Galatasaray and the club’s decision to walk away from Liverpool’s Darwin Nunez, Footynaija.com reports.
Massimiliano Allegri, who returned to Milan’s dugout this summer, has placed a top-class forward at the heart of his transfer wishlist.
While Nigerian international Osimhen has long been admired at San Siro, Milan’s previous interest was conditional on Rafael Leão’s exit.
Now, even with Leão likely to stay, Milan appear ready to explore a move for Osimhen regardless, according to SempreMilan.
According to reports from Il Mattino via MilanPress, Galatasaray have submitted a €60m bid for the striker, accompanied by a lucrative €16m annual salary.
Osimhen, who enjoyed a successful loan spell at the Turkish champions last season, is reportedly enthusiastic about the move.
However, Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis is reluctant to accept the offer, given that a €75m release clause remains active in the striker’s contract until Thursday.
Juventus and Milan are said to be monitoring developments closely. While the €75m clause is out of reach for Milan’s current budget, the expiration of that clause could present an opportunity to strike a more favourable deal should Napoli choose to part ways with the 26-year-old.
Milan’s decision to abandon their long-standing pursuit of Darwin Nunez — after months of scouting the Uruguayan — has turned attention to alternative targets. Nicolas Jackson of Chelsea and Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta are among the names being considered. However, both players come with complications. Jackson would require a substantial fee to prise him away from Stamford Bridge, while Mateta remains under contract until 2026, with only informal enquiries made so far.
With Olivier Giroud now departed, Milan’s search for a reliable striker continues. Allegri is believed to favour a proven, physical forward — someone in the mould of Giroud — and Osimhen’s profile fits the bill perfectly.
Should Galatasaray fail to close the deal in time, Milan could swoop in late for the Nigerian star, whose future appears increasingly open.