16 January 2024 , 22:14
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Victor Osimhen has insisted he is happy with life at Napoli in a blow to Arsenal and Chelsea's hopes of signing the striker.
Osimhen was Serie A's top scorer last season as Napoli won the Italian title for the first time in 33 years. The striker has continued to be a regular scorer, even during what has been a miserable season for his side, who currently sit eighth in the table.
There have also been issues off the pitch, when social media posts from club accounts irritated Osimhen and his agent. That led to suggestions that he could move on from the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.
Osimhen appeared to put those suggestions to bed by signing a contract extension just before Christmas. And he has reiterated his intention to remain with Napoli for the foreseeable future.
"I am happy with the president. I have an excellent relationship with him, I am sincere. I have a really good relationship with him, he has always been close to me since I arrived at Napoli in 2020 and I also have an excellent relationship with his family," he said.
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"For me it is important to have a good relationship with the owner of the team. There have never been any problems between us, what happened has nothing to do with my relationship with him or his family.
"The president told me he always supported, even off the pitch, and I gave my all to win the scudetto for them too. It's always important to have this type of relationship with the owner of the club.
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Osimhen signed a new contract in December (Getty Images)"Of course I would like to play there [in the Premier League] one day, for now I have other plans for my career. But when the time comes you will know everything."
Osimhen's decision to snub a move this month will be a blow for Arsenal, who are targeting a new striker. They had been urged to sign the Napoli star by former star Emmanuel Adebayor, who has a close relationship with the Nigerian international.
"He has the right attitude, mentality and determination to excel there. I'm praying for him to move to the Premier League and show what he's capable of. The Premier League is the toughest and best (league) in the world," Adebayor told BBC Sport Africa.
"Osimhen has shown and done it already in Italy, I think it is the right time for him to move to England and replace his idol Drogba and do beautiful things. He has all it takes to make a name and write a great chapter in England like Drogba.
"I started talking to him one or two years (ago). Every time I talk to him, it's about encouragement, and I tell him what to do and what not to do. I didn't even know that he was listening.
"To come on a bigger stage like the Caf awards, the Ballon d'Or of Africa, and mention my name, and thank me for the encouragement… to be honest with you, I got emotional. If he continues in this stride he will win more Caf awards in the future."