Manchester United have been handed a monumental two-part boost in their hopes of signing Napoli striker Victor Osimhen this summer, according to reports. Ruben Amorim is set to prioritise the signing of a proven goalscorer to solve his attacking woes and Osimhen continues to be among the most prominent candidates linked with an Old Trafford switch.
The 26-year-old will leave Napoli permanently this summer after a broken-down relationship sparked his surprise loan move to Galatasaray last year. And even if United’s disastrous season fizzes out without Europa League glory, the M16 giants appear to be firmly in the frame to win the race for his signature. According to TBR Football, Osimhen’s representatives have informed Saudi Pro League clubs that he wants to play in the Premier League next season.
There is said to be strong interest from England’s top flight, with Arsenal, Aston Villa, Chelsea, and Newcastle United all monitoring the situation.
Yet, the report adds that United have been notified that Osimhen would be willing to join even if there is no Champions League football on offer next term.
The Red Devils will return to Europe’s elite competition if they lift the Europa League in Bilbao on May 21.
Otherwise, there will likely be no European football at all, considering the club are slumped in 13th in the Premier League.
Chelsea could be their biggest rivals in the race for Osimhen’s services after coming close to luring him to Stamford Bridge last summer.
Meanwhile, Galatasaray have made it clear to the Nigeria international that they want to make his stay in Istanbul permanent and would be ready to break the Turkish transfer record to do so.
Osimhen has continued his prolific goalscoring habits for Galatasaray, netting 20 times in 22 Turkish Super Lig appearances and plundering six goals in seven Europa League outings.
He has a £63million release clause in his Napoli contract, but the report adds that the Serie A giants don’t deem triggering it as mandatory to agree a fee.
Napoli are said to have given Osimhen’s camp permission to put a transfer in place by holding talks with interested parties over the coming months.
And any deal could go down early on in the window, with the frontman reportedly frustrated at how his future was up in the air until last year’s summer deadline approached.
It’s claimed that the Saudis could turn their attention towards Mohamed Salah and Darwin Nunez as Pro League chief Michael Emenalo plans another blockbuster recruitment drive.
The Liverpool attacking duo are thought to be open to a Middle East switch, but Osimhen views his short-term future in Europe.
Content Source: www.express.co.uk