Report: PSG target Victor Osimhen as Kylian Mbappe replacement

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By Martin Graham | 5th May 2022

Latest reports state that Paris Saint-Germain have set their sights on Victor Osimhen to replace Kylian Mbappe if the striker leaves Parc De Princes this summer.

Mbappe’s future at the club is uncertain after Real Madrid declared an interest in the youngster a season ago. After resisting their efforts to sign the youngster last season, they are now in a position where the youngster has all the cards as his contract expires in a matter of weeks.

Mbappe, a big fan of the Spanish giants, is currently weighing his options and it is highly unlikely that he signs an extension with the Parisiens.

PSG are now looking at potential replacements for the 23-year-old, and Napoli striker Victor Osimhen’s name has come up.

Osimhen moved to Italy from LOSC Lille in 2020. Although hampered by injury, he has enjoyed success in Naples much like he did in France. And just like in France, he is being courted by a number of clubs who will have to submit an offer of €100 million and above to catch the attention of Aurelio De Laurentiis, Napoli’s president.

PSG have the capacity for that deal and Get French Football News are reporting that the club are weighing up the move. But with other clubs from the Premier League reportedly interested, the ten-time French Ligue 1 winners will not have a free path to the striker.

Osimhen has also previously stated, per multiple sources, that he would like to remain at Napoli for longer as he has a point to prove in the Serie A, where he is highly rated. But with PSG’s influence, the striker’s head could be turned.

It remains to be seen if the French champions will be making this move.

PSG offer for Leao shut down

One of the reasons for the club weighing up a move for Osimhen is AC Milan’s Rafael Leao, who the club are also targeting.

Leao, dubbed the “Portuguese Mbappe” is PSG’s chief target to replace Mbappe following their failure in the pursuit of Erling Haaland, who is on his way to Manchester City.

PSG submitted a bid recently and reports from Tuesday state that the Rossoneri turned the offer down without a second glance.

La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that the Rossoneri are trying to renew his contract but the process is being slowed down by their takeover talks with Bahrain-based investment firm Investcorp. The talks are making progress and it is believed that the Portugal international wants to remain at the club.

The reports also claim that Milan believed PSG’s initial offer of €70 million was too poor and that Leao is worth at least €80 million.

It remains to be seen with who PSG will end up replacing Mbappe, who is at the top of the goal-scoring and assists charts in the league this season, if he chooses to leave for Madrid in the summer.