Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio has given an intriguing update on Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, amid links to Manchester United.
The Red Devils recently acquired a new centre-forward in the form of Wout Weghorst, but Erik ten Hag is reportedly keen to add more attacking quality to his squad.
While it’s unlikely a deal will be reached for Osimhen this winter, it’s believed United have a real chance at signing the Nigerian at the end of the season.
Napoli have enjoyed a fantastic start to the campaign, sitting at the top of Serie A after losing just one of their 19 opening fixtures.
Osimhen has been crucial to their success too, netting an incredible 13 goals in 15 league appearances, as well as making four assists, giving him an average of 1.13 goal contributions per game.
While United have already signed Weghorst, at 30 years old he is not really a long-term solution to their striker problems.
With that in mind, 24-year-old Osimhen has the potential and the quality to lead the Red Devils’ line for many years to come.
United were also heavily linked with a move for the forward last summer, so they are believed to have an advantage in negotiations.
Di Marzio declares ‘United certainly want to sign Osimhen’
With that in mind, Di Marzio has offered fresh hope to the Old Trafford faithful that they can strike a deal for Osimhen. But unfortunately, Napoli are still unlikely to let him leave this winter.
Speaking to Soccer News, he said: “I don’t think any of these transfers will get through in the winter transfer window.
“But I wouldn’t be surprised if United play for Victor Osimhen in the summer, because they wanted to sign him ahead of this season.
“[His skills] are great. And if Napoli win Serie A this season, my expectation is that they will let him go.
“Man Utd have to pay at least €120m for him, but Premier League clubs have that option, so it could well happen.
“Manchester United certainly want to sign him, but there are other clubs who are planning the same. It is inevitable that his name will soon be mentioned in various boardrooms!”
United not deterred by Napoli’s €120m asking price for Osimhen
Indeed, Manchester United are not the only club that have been trying to pen a deal for Osimhen since last summer.
Tottenham manager Antonio Conte is reportedly a huge fan of the Napoli striker and has considered him as a potential replacement for Harry Kane, should he leave the club at the end of the season.
It has also been suggested that Paris Saint Germain could rival United for Osimhen’s signature.
As stated by Di Marzio, any successful bid for him would need to be in the region of €120m (approx. £105m).
While this is a huge transfer fee, if he could maintain his current form in the Premier League, Osimhen arguably possesses the quality to make United serial title contenders once again.
Ten Hag will be keen to win the race for Osimhen, given they are definitely in need of more goalscorers if they want to challenge for trophies.
Marcus Rashford is the Red Devils’ top scorer this season, with an impressive 18 goals in 29 appearances, but no other player has scored more than six so far.
While the Englishman has been electric, he can’t do all the work himself. If United could add another 20 goals through Osimhen next season, he could be the difference between success and failure.
