Napoli release statement clarifying Victor Osimhen contract situation after president Aurelio De Laurentiis hinted striker would not sign new deal

De Laurentiis suggested in a press conference that talks with Osimhen over a new contract had come to a standstill and that the player's "mood has changed" over his future at the club.

Relations between Osimhen and Napoli seemed to sour this season after the club's TikTok account posted videos appearing to mock the Nigeria international. Tensions rose to the point the striker's agent threatened legal action and any sight of Napoli was removed from his Instagram account.

Napoli, however, maintain that talks are expected to continue and that the 24-year-old is merely taking time to consider his future.

"SSC Napoli would like to clarify recent comments made by president Aurelio De Laurentiis regarding Victor Osimhen, given that his words have been distorted by certain media publications," a statement read. "President De Laurentiis did not say anything negative about Victor. He simply stated that after a series of lengthy contract negotiations which ended with the parties shaking hands and agreeing to continue together, Victor had second thoughts. President De Laurentiis hopes this is merely a pause for reflection. Over the coming weeks, when Victor will not be able to play as he recovers from injury, the president, Osimhen and his agent Roberto Calenda will sit down calmly to discuss the future. Describing relations between Osimhen and Napoli as frosty is entirely out of place."

Osimhen, whose current contract runs until 2025, is currently out with a hamstring injury and will miss the team's Serie A match against Hellas Verona on Saturday.