PSG reportedly proposed a €200 million deal to Napoli, aiming to secure both Kvaratskhelia and Osimhen.
Napoli's president, Aurelio De Laurentiis, has been at the centre of a series of high-profile transfer negotiations in recent times. In an exclusive interview with 7 Corriere della Sera via Di Marzio, De Laurentiis revealed details about the club's attempts to retain star player Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and their pursuit of other top talents.
De Laurentiis disclosed that negotiations for a contract extension with Kvaratskhelia included an increased salary and a significant sum offer. However, Paris Saint-Germain offered over €200m for the Kvara and Osimhen package, forcing Napoli's hand due to threats from Kvaratskhelia's agent to use Article 17. Despite this, De Laurentiis stated he had promised manager Conte he would keep Gyokeres, and he did not feel like going back on his word.
Napoli's search for a replacement striker led them to Viktor Gyökeres, who scored an impressive 68 goals in two seasons in the Primeira Liga, making him the most prolific scorer in Europe's top 10 leagues since his move to Portugal from Coventry City in 2023. De Laurentiis revealed he tried to lure Gyökeres away from Sporting CP to Naples, but the move did not happen as Gyökeres joined Arsenal instead. With the funds that could have been used to buy Gyokeres, Napoli instead strengthened their squad with the signings of Sam Beukema, Noa Lang, Miguel Gutierrez, Lorenzo Lucca, and Kevin De Bruyne this season.
Osimhen then put pen to paper on a permanent deal with Galatasary last month, joining the club for €75m according to reports. The Nigerian international spent the 2024-25 season on loan with Turkish giants Galatasaray.
De Laurentiis also made an attempt to sign Alexander Isak from Real Sociedad, but the deal did not materialize. Despite these setbacks, Napoli are ready to kick-start their Scudetto defence away to Sassuolo this Saturday.
As the transfer window closes, Napoli fans will be hoping for more exciting additions to the squad, as they look to challenge for the title once again. The club's strategic approach to the transfer market, coupled with their strong squad, makes them a formidable force in Italian football.
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