Napoli and Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen may be facing a shrinking pool of transfer options this summer, as Juventus—one of the few clubs linked with his signature—are now on the verge of signing Canadian forward Jonathan David.
According to multiple reports, including renowned football transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano, talks between Juventus and David have advanced rapidly, putting the Serie A giants in pole position to secure the free agent after the expiration of his contract with French club Lille.
This development could have serious implications for Osimhen, who is actively seeking a move away from Napoli during this summer transfer window.
Juventus Close to Finalizing Jonathan David Signing
Juventus have been in the market for a top-class forward amid uncertainty over the future of Serbian striker Dusan Vlahovic, who is expected to leave the Allianz Stadium before the start of the new season. The Turin-based club identified several potential replacements, including Osimhen, but seem to have prioritized Jonathan David due to his availability on a free transfer and his impressive track record in Ligue 1.
Fabrizio Romano confirmed the negotiations on social media, tweeting:
“Juventus are progressing well in talks with Jonathan David. The club sees him as a key addition with Vlahovic expected to depart. Deal now very advanced.”
David, 24, left Lille at the end of the 2024–25 season after a successful stint that saw him score 37 goals and provide 15 assists in 83 league appearances. His consistent form and versatility have made him a sought-after player in the European market, and Juventus have wasted no time in moving for the Canadian international.
Osimhen Running Out of Top-Level Suitors?
For Victor Osimhen, this latest move from Juventus could be a setback in what has already been a complicated transfer window. Despite being linked with a host of elite European clubs, concrete offers for the Nigerian striker have reportedly been scarce. Napoli have placed a hefty price tag—believed to be in the region of €100 million—on Osimhen, which has deterred potential suitors.
Juventus had appeared to be one of the few realistic destinations within Serie A, especially if Vlahovic was sold. However, the impending arrival of Jonathan David likely shuts that door.
Football analysts suggest that Osimhen’s wage demands and Napoli’s valuation have made a deal difficult to materialize for many clubs.
Napoli Prepared for Osimhen Exit, But Clock Is Ticking
Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has been open about the possibility of Osimhen leaving, but has also made it clear that the club will not sell unless their valuation is met.
“Victor is an incredible talent and we value him highly,” De Laurentiis said earlier in the summer. “If any club wants him, they must come with an offer that reflects his quality.”
Osimhen, who was Serie A’s top scorer in the 2022/23 season and played a key role in Napoli’s long-awaited league title triumph, has not publicly addressed his transfer status, but it is widely understood that he is open to a new challenge.
With Juventus seemingly out of the picture, and no confirmed bids from Premier League or Bundesliga clubs, time may be running out for the Super Eagles striker to secure a move before the window closes.
Premier League Still a Possible Destination?
There have been persistent rumors linking Osimhen to English clubs such as Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester United, but none of these sides have made formal approaches this summer. Arsenal, in particular, are believed to be prioritizing midfield reinforcements, while Chelsea are reportedly considering younger and less expensive attacking options.
Manchester United, under Erik ten Hag, have expressed interest in signing a striker, but reports suggest they are monitoring several targets and may not be willing to match Napoli’s valuation for Osimhen.
Without firm offers on the table, Osimhen might have to wait until later in the transfer window or even consider staying with Napoli for another season.
Jonathan David Deal Makes Sense for Juventus
From Juventus’ perspective, the move for Jonathan David is logical. At 24, David is entering his prime, has significant experience in European football, and arrives on a free transfer—a massive financial plus for a club currently managing budget constraints.
Additionally, his style of play—high energy, intelligent movement, and technical finishing—fits into Juventus’ rebuilding plans under their new sporting structure. David is also capable of playing in a two-striker system or as a lone forward, giving the coaching team tactical flexibility.
What Next for Osimhen?
With Juventus closing in on Jonathan David, Osimhen’s options now appear limited to a handful of top clubs—most of whom are yet to make decisive moves in the market.
His future may hinge on whether clubs like Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain, or even Bayern Munich make late bids in the window, especially if they lose current forwards to other clubs.
Alternatively, Osimhen could remain at Napoli until January or next summer, although that may not align with his personal ambitions, especially with the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations on the horizon.
Conclusion
Victor Osimhen remains one of the most prolific forwards in European football, but his path to a new club is becoming increasingly complicated. With Juventus seemingly turning to Jonathan David as their striker of choice, the Nigerian star’s dream move may be slipping further out of reach—at least for now.
For now, all eyes remain on Osimhen’s next move, as the striker’s future continues to dominate headlines in one of the most intriguing transfer sagas of the summer.
