Arsenal’s rumored pursuit of Napoli star Victor Osimhen appears to have received a significant boost.

In an attempt to reinforce his attack ahead of another projected run at the Premier League title next season, Mikel Arteta has been linked to the Gunners with a big-money summer move for the Nigerian international.

Chelsea is one of the other teams that has been extensively linked to Osimhen in the past. Osimhen led Napoli to the Serie A championship two seasons ago and is currently anticipated to depart the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona during the current transfer window.

This seems to be the case even after Antonio Conte was named the new manager of the Italian powerhouse this summer. The former manager of Chelsea and Tottenham acknowledged that his circumstances differ from those of many other players who are targeted by Napoli, such as Stanislav Lobotka, Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa.

After Osimhen signed a new three-year contract at Naples in December, reportedly with a huge release clause worth a whooping £113 million, Conte stated he was aware of an agreement for the player to move on.

In his first official press conference since being appointed Napoli’s new head coach on a three-year contract earlier in June, Conte stated, “As far as Osimhen is concerned, just as I knew very well about the situation of Kvara, Di Lorenzo, Anguissa, and Lobotka, on whom I had an absolute veto.”

“I am aware that there are agreements with the club; nonetheless, I will be witnessing a completely different circumstance. Then, in response to your question, I can say that the player is excellent, but due to prior agreements, I am unable to discuss Osimhen at this time.

Romelu Lukaku, who Chelsea hopes to offload permanently for a fee of approximately £38 million this summer following successful loan stints back in Serie A with both Inter Milan and Roma, may very well replace Osimhen at Napoli.

The Belgian striker has flourished under Conte’s tutelage at Inter in the past, and the latter is eager to publicly express his adoration for Lukaku once more.

“We’re talking about strong players when it comes to Romelu Lukaku and excellent players when it comes to Osimhen,” Conte remarked.

“You just have to admire them when they play and always hope to have them on your side and never against you. There’s no commentary to be made.”