Victor Osimhen and Napoli have firmly rejected a €70 million approach from Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal.
Following the report from Sky Sport Italia through Calcio Napoli, the Saudi giants submitted an official offer of €65 million plus €5 million in add-ons to entice the Nigerian forward to Riyadh.
But Napoli were quick to turn it down, insisting on receiving the full €75 million stipulated in the player’s release clause.
The response was not just from the club.
Osimhen himself is reported to have refused to accept Al Hilal’s personal terms, which included a staggering €26 million salary per season.
Sources close to the player suggest that regardless of the immense financial incentives, the 26-year-old striker is not prepared to make the move to Saudi Arabia at this stage of his career.
Al Hilal, coached by newly appointed Simone Inzaghi, remain eager to land Osimhen and are said to be preparing an improved offer.
The club views the Nigerian international as a marquee signing, following his stellar loan spell at Galatasaray, where he netted 37 goals and provided eight assists in just 41 appearances, contributing to the Turkish side's domestic double triumph.
Despite significant interest from both Galatasaray and Al Hilal, who are reportedly ready to offer him up to €15 million annually to stay permanently, Osimhen’s future remains uncertain.
The performance of the Nigerian international's have caused interest from several top European clubs, with Napoli keen to ensure any sale meets their financial expectations.
Osimhen, who remains one of Africa’s most valuable footballers, has not been able to make a decision on his next destination.
Moreover, what is clear is that both he and Napoli are not willing to entertain cut-price deals, in spite of the riches on offer from the Middle East.
For the time being, the message from Naples is simple: Osimhen is not for sale, unless the full clause is met and the striker accepts.