Why Arsenal and Chelsea are ahead of PSG in the race to complete Victor Osimhen transfer

Napoli striker Victor Osimhen is reportedly uninterested in playing in France again despite interest from PSG in his services.

Last season, Osimhen was one of the most in-demand centre-forwards in European football after his 26 goals in 32 Serie A appearances led the Naples club to the league title. Unfortunately for Napoli, they have been unable to carry their form from last season into this one and they have relinquished Serie A with a whimper.

However, the Nigerian striker has continued to show his promise in front of goal. The 25-year-old has bagged 17 goals in 30 appearances in all competitions which has firmly put him in the shop window this summer.

In January, Napoli's owner Aurelio de Laurentiis confirmed his player would be leaving the club despite having two years left on his contract. "We knew that since last summer," De Laurentiis responded when asked if Osimhen would be leaving at the end of the season.

"That's why the contract negotiations were so drawn out and amicable... but we knew perfectly well that he would go Real Madrid, to PSG or to an English team." Arsenal and Chelsea are both thought to be interested from the Premier League with Manchester United having also shown an interest previously.

However, one team who could surprisingly be out of the running is PSG, according to journalist Gianluca Di Marzio. He told Sky Sport Italia: "The possibility of playing in France again does not excite Osimhen, who has already played there with Lille.

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"Clearly playing with PSG is different because you can play games like tonight’s Champions League semi-final, but his preference is England. Arsenal and Chelsea are the two teams that could take Osimhen and as long as that possibility is open he will wait."

Di Marzio also revealed that Osimhen is no stranger to the UK, having visited on a number of occasions. "He often goes to England when he has a day off and enjoys being there with his friends,” he added.

While Real were mentioned as an option, it is unlikely they would be able to afford Osimhen if they were to purchase Kylian Mbappe after his expected exit from PSG. This leaves both Arsenal and Chelsea as the frontrunners to secure a lethal striker for a reasonable price.