Al-Hilal target Osimhen as Mbappe backs out

Reports have indicated that Saudi Arabia giants Al-Hilal are now pushing to get the attention of Nigeria’s soccer superstar Victor Osimhen.

This is after it appeared their earlier pursuit Kylian Mbappe turned down their offer.

Both players are 24 years old.

After PSG accepted Al Hilal’s record-breaking €300m offer for Mbappé, the France captain refused to make the move to the Gulf State.

A Saudi delegation was in Paris to complete Malcom’s signing. They hoped to make the most of their time in the French capital by also meeting with Mbappé, but the PSG forward declined.

The Saudi side have therefore accepted defeat in their quest to bring Mbappé to the Middle East, and there focus will now quickly shift to signing Napoli’s Osimhen.

The Nigerian striker, who was a key component in Napoli’s Serie A-winning campaign, has been strongly linked with a departure this summer.

It is thought that Osimhen features on PSG’s shortlist as they look to recruit an elite number nine.

However, should Les Parisiens’ make an approach for Osimhen, they may run into competition from Al Hilal, who are looking to move quickly to sign the Napoli forward.

Napoli are reportedly demanding €150 in transfer fee to let go of their Nigerian star and Al Hilal are more than happy to trigger the clause. Having scored 26 Serie A goals last season, Osimhen is being scouted by numerous European heavyweights. Hence it has to be seen if he would consider making a move to Saudi Arabia this summer.