Serie A giants Napoli have confirmed they rejected multiple offers from abroad for former Manchester United target Victor Osimhen this summer.
MEN Sport understands Osimhen was on the list of centre forwards Erik ten Hag had his eye on in the summer.
However, a deal for the Nigerian international did not materialise and instead the Reds pivoted towards Rasmus Hojlund who they signed in August for £72 million.
However, talk surrounding Osimhen’s future has restarted this week after Napoli’s official TikTok account shared videos playfully mocking their striker.
The forward’s agent Roberto Calenda criticised the videos in question and noted they had been “belatedly” deleted.
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Calenda added he and his client “reserve the right to take legal action and any useful initiative to protect Victor”.
In a bid to smooth over the saga, Napoli released a statement on Thursday expressing their regret for the events of the last few days.
The statement read: “Calcio Napoli, wishing to avoid any exploitation of the issue, point out that we never wanted to offend or mock Victor Osimhen, who is a treasure of this club. As proof of that, during the summer training retreat, the club firmly rebuffed every offer that was received for the striker’s transfer abroad.
“Social media, in particular TikTok, has always used an expressive form of language with a light heart and creativity, without wanting to, as in the case with Osimhen as protagonist, have any intention of insult or derision. In any case, if Victor perceived any offence towards him, this was not what the club intended.”
With less than two years remaining on Osimhen’s deal at Napoli, it remains to be seen whether the forward’s future lies at the Italian club or not.
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