Napoli star Victor Osimhen ‘flattered’ by Arsenal interest with £83m-rated striker also a target for Manchester United and Newcastle

Napoli forward Victor Osimhen has been left 'flattered' as Arsenal are reportedly leading the race to secure his services this summer.

Osimhen, 23, is enjoying a stellar campaign in Naples, and has found the net 16 times in 21 appearances so far this season.

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The Nigeria international has been a long-term target for the Gunners, with Mikel Arteta a keen admirer of the star.

Arsenal are likely to be on the lookout for a new striker this summer, with Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah both into their final three months of their current contracts.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was also allowed join Barcelona during the January transfer window.

Italian outlet Gazzetta Dello Sport have claimed the north Londoners have 'set their sights’ on the Nigerian frontman.

Reports in Italy also say a move will not happen unless the Gunners cough up around €100million (£83million).

A host of Premier League clubs are reportedly interested in Osimhen, with Manchester United, Newcastle United and Chelsea all keen to secure his signature.

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Napoli are in no hurry to sell their highly-rated forward, however, given that his €4m-a-year deal at the Stadio Maradona runs until the summer of 2025.

The player himself previously admitted he came close to moving to the Emirates during Arsene Wenger's time in north London.

“I spoke with Arsene Wenger after the tournament (Under-17 World Cup) ended, and he wanted me to come to Arsenal", he told  back in 2020.

“I had a lot of options. Barcelona; Inter Milan; Atletico Madrid; Juventus and the rest. Arsenal was a good option, but it wasn’t the best at the time. I wanted to start playing as soon as I turned 18.

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"I wanted to go to a place where I had time to invest in my game and improve physically. Wolfsburg showed me that possibility.

"Of course, one day I’d like to play for a big club in England... my priority is to play a lot of games. Signing for a big club and being on the bench is not exciting for me."