Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has reportedly warned suitors of striker Victor Osimhen that he will be sold to the highest bidder this summer.

Osimhen was expected to leave Napoli permanently last year after being frozen out by manager Antonio Conte, who favoured a reunion with Romelu Lukaku instead. Paris Saint-Germain were keen and Chelsea were locked in talks until the dying embers of the transfer window, only to find themselves unable to get a deal done.

The European transfer window closed and Osimhen remained out in the cold at Napoli, which led to a surprise 12-month loan to Galatasaray. During his time in Turkiye, Osimhen has struck 26 goals in 30 games across all competitions.

A release clause of €75m (£62.7m) exists in Osimhen’s contract but he could be sold for cheaper this year when he returns to Napoli, where his contract runs until 2026. An extension is out of the question as it stands, so the Serie A side’s bargaining power is clearly limited.

Nevertheless, Sky Sport Switzerland state De Laurentiis is looking to stoke a bidding war in the hope of raising as much money as possible.

PSG will not return to the table after signing winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in January for around €70m, but Chelsea remain interested and Manchester United have added the Nigeria international to their four-man striker shortlist.

Chelsea were close to an agreement with Osimhen last summer before talks collapsed, but they may still hold an advantage after a teammate of the Nigeria striker, William Troost-Ekong, admitted Osimhen is a Blues fan.

“I know he’s a Chelsea fan, but I also know he’s had talks with all the top teams,” Troost-Ekong told talkSPORT. “It’s up to him what he chooses. He will fit into every team.”

Speaking late last month, Osimhen insisted he still does not know what the future holds for him after his loan with Galatasaray.