Newcastle's interest in Napoli forward Victor Osimhen is no secret. The Magpies head of recruitment Steve Nickson has kept a close eye on the development of the Nigerian striker, since his early days at Charleroi.
Osimhen has enjoyed a meteoric rise in European football, signing for Serie A side Napoli for €81million and is regarded as one of the best in Italy in his position. The 23-year-old has netted 25 times in 55 appearances for Gli Azzurri but has also not hidden his desire to play in England one day.
The Magpies are one of those Premier League sides understood to be tracking the forward, alongside Arsenal, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur. But, the Nigerian has already hinted at a factor behind his next move.
READ MORE: Newcastle United defender eyes first game in months as second surprise recall emerges in Dubai
Arsenal, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, Juventus and Inter Milan were all in pursuit of Osimhen's services after the Under-17 World Cup in 2015. A tournament that Nigeria won, with Osimhen winning the Golden Boot and Silver Ball awards.
However, the young talent decided a move to Wolfsburg would be more beneficial for his career, with game time high up on his agenda. Speaking to the Independent back in 2020, Osimhen said: “I spoke with Arsene Wenger after the tournament (Under-17 World Cup) ended and he wanted me to come to Arsenal.
“I had a lot of options. Barcelona; Inter Milan; Atletico Madrid; Juventus and the rest. Arsenal was a good option but it wasn’t the best at the time. I wanted to start playing as soon as I turned 18.
"I wanted to go to a place where I had time to invest in my game and improve physically. Wolfsburg showed me that possibility.
"Of course, one day I’d like to play for a big club in England... my priority is to play a lot of games. Signing for a big club and being on the bench is not exciting for me."
Newcastle would not be able to boast the European football the likes of Arsenal, Spurs and Manchester United could offer at the end of the season. Money of course would not be a problem, but the game time offered by the Magpies could be significant factor in a potential Tyneside switch.
Eddie Howe's side are in the market for striker capable of lifting them to the next level, while the Gunners are looking to replace Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette.
For the latest Newcastle news direct to your inbox, go here to sign up to our free newsletter
