Nigeria international Victor Osimhen is reportedly eager to make a move to Manchester United during the upcoming summer transfer window, as the 26-year-old prepares to leave Napoli on a permanent basis.
According to TEAMtalk, the Super Eagles striker is “greatly appreciative” of the interest from the 20-time English champions, who have emerged as frontrunners for his signature ahead of several other European giants.
Osimhen, currently on loan at Turkish side Galatasaray, has been in exceptional form this season, scoring 20 goals and providing five assists in 27 appearances across all competitions, bolstering his reputation as one of Europe’s most prolific forwards.
The Nigerian international is expected to be available for around £62m (€75m) due to a release clause in his contract, making him an appealing target despite heavy interest from Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea, and Arsenal.
Manchester United’s interest comes as manager Erik ten Hag looks to resolve his side’s goalscoring issues, with current striker Rasmus Højlund struggling in his debut season, having scored in only two Premier League games since December.
Reports suggest United could include the out-of-form Danish forward in a potential swap deal with Napoli, offering £33m (€40m) plus Højlund, though new reports indicate that United might be ready to activate Osimhen’s release clause outright.
Nigerian journalist Buchi Laba has also stated that Arsenal made official contact with Osimhen’s representatives last week, with the Gunners prepared to trigger his release clause as they search for a clinical striker to strengthen their attacking options.
Despite the mounting speculation, Osimhen has remained tight-lipped about his future, telling reporters in February after Galatasaray’s goalless draw with Fenerbahçe: “To be honest, I don’t know. A few months ago, nobody thought I would come here.”
“I never believed I would come to a club as big as Galatasaray. For me, I live for the moment. We will see what is going to happen in the summer and I want everybody to understand that I love this club so much and everyone associated with the club.”
The Galatasaray loan star has not ruled out extending his stay with the Turkish club, who reportedly had a €65m bid for the striker rejected by Napoli earlier this year. Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has remained steadfast in his stance, insisting that any interested club must meet Osimhen’s full €75m release clause.
Should Osimhen make the move to Old Trafford, he would bring an impressive goalscoring record, having scored 76 goals in 133 appearances for Napoli before his loan to Galatasaray.
His Champions League performances are equally remarkable, with nine goals in 17 appearances in Europe’s premier club competition.
This summer is expected to be a busy one at Old Trafford, with reports suggesting Manchester United are aiming to make as many as four new signings.
Along with a centre-forward, they are reportedly looking to strengthen their squad with a defensive midfielder, a centre-back, and an additional wing-back.
