Serie A giants Napoli line up Nigerian striker as replacement for Victor Osimhen

Victor Osimhen's successful spell at SSC Napoli could be nearing its conclusion, with the dethroned Serie A champions already compiling a shortlist of potential replacements headlined by a Nigerian striker.

Pulse Sports Nigeria reports that Osimhen’s future in Naples has been a subject of intense speculation with the iconic forward expected to leave this summer and compatriot Victor Boniface lineup up as a possible replacement.

According to reports from Napolimagazine, Boniface is one of three forwards being considered by Napoli should Osimhen depart this summer as expected amid intense interest from Europe's elite.

"Napoli are thinking of David (Jonathan), (Artem) Dovbyk and Boniface as Osimhen's replacement," the report stated, suggesting the Partenopei are preparing for life after their talismanic goalscorer.

Osimhen has been in sensational form over the past two seasons, plundering 31 goals across all competitions to fire Napoli's title charge in 2022/23 before their crown was snatched by rivals Inter Milan.

His exploits have inevitably attracted covetous glances from some of Europe’s elite clubs, with the Nigerian himself admitting he would be open to a new challenge after three years in Naples.

Napoli are under no financial pressure to sell their prize asset but could be tempted by a mammoth offer, with president Aurelio De Laurentiis holding out for €120 million (£103m/$130m).

"Osimhen is not discussed, he is a top player and the difficult season does not depreciate him. Napoli are asking for €120m to negotiate his sale," Napolimagazine added.

"PSG and the Premier League are the strongest realities on Osimhen, but we will see what happens in the coming weeks."

If Osimhen does depart, replacements will be required and Boniface appears high on Napoli's shortlist after a prolific season for Bayer Leverkusen.

The 23-year-old Akure native netted 12 goals and provided eight assists in 21 Bundesliga appearances to fire Leverkusen to a historic first-ever Bundesliga title with five matches to spare.

Lille's Canadian sensation Jonathan David and Ukrainian marksman Artem Dovbyk have also been touted as potential Osimhen successors.

Napoli are adamant any sale of their talismanic number 9 must be a straight cash deal, ruling out player-plus-cash proposals such as a swap involving Chelsea's Romelu Lukaku.

Whoever is tasked with filling Osimhen's sizeable boots will have a tough act to follow after his two hugely successful campaigns in Naples.