Manchester United have ramped up their pursuit of a 92-goal striker who is perfect for the Premier League, West Ham have turned to the Bundesliga in their search for David Moyes’ replacement, while Sunday’s Transfer Gossip claims Arsenal are potentially closing in on a deal for a Celta Vigo midfielder.
TEN HAG ORDERS MAN UTD TO COMPLETE MASSIVE STRIKER DEAL
Manchester United have seemingly ramped up their efforts to sign Napoli striker Victor Osimhen following another scouting trip to Italy last week.
Representatives of the Red Devils were in Naples on Wednesday for the Serie A leaders’ Champions League quarter-final against AC Milan.
And although the hosts crashed out of the competition 2-1 on aggregate, Osimhen was on target in the second leg, which ended 1-1.
That goal made it a hugely impressive 26 goals in 31 games this season.
At this stage, Napoli have not opened talks with the Nigeria international over a new contract, with his current deal running out in almost two years.
And the Daily Star Sunday claims that delay could be down to United’s continued pursuit of the prolific forward.
Add in the fact that Erik ten Hag and staff are still monitoring Osimhen’s form so closely indicates that they view him as a more realistic target than Harry Kane.
The England skipper’s future at Tottenham remains up in the air. But with Daniel Levy almost certain to ask for in excess of £100m for a player who turns 30 in July, swooping for Osimhen instead appears to make more sense.
Prolific Osimhen will not come cheap
The Napoli star, who has also been linked with Chelsea and PSG, will almost certainly cost more than £100m himself. But he is only 24, which makes him a much more desirable target.
Osimhen has scored an impressive 92 goals in 183 career clubs appearances, while also notching 15 in 24 outings for Nigeria
He also has a physical presence which should carry over well into English football and it’s clear that Ten Hag wants that out-and-out No.9 with two wingers flanking link in his preferred 4-2-1-3 formation.
The Dutchman has often played Wout Weghorst this season seemingly just for tactical purposes, given his lack of goals.
However, Osimhen’s arrival would allow Marcus Rashford to return permanently to the left wing, with Antony, Jadon Sancho, Alejandro Garnacho and Mason Greenwood, if he returns, all battling for that spot on the right.
WEST HAM TURN TO BUNDESLIGA FOR MOYES REPLACEMENT
Former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso is emerging as a strong candidate to be the next West Ham manager, if David Moyes leaves.
Current Hammers boss Moyes is adamant that he is already planning for next season and has no intention of going this summer.
However, if the Scot does part company with West Ham the Sun on Sunday claims that Bayer Leverkusen boss Alonso will be in the frame after putting himself firmly on the club’s radar this season.
The 41-year-old is making a real name for himself after transforming Leverkusen in his first big job.
When Alonso arrived in October, after three years in charge of Real Sociedad’s B team, Leverkusen were second-bottom in the Bundesliga.
Now they are in the top six and the semi-finals of the Europa League as Alonso shows that he has transferred his qualities as a player into the dugout.
The report adds that Alonso is developing the reputation of a young progressive coach in the mold of childhood friend Mikel Arteta and Burnley boss Vincent Kompany.
It’s also reported that senior West Ham figures are well aware of the buzz around Alonso and are ready to strike while the iron is still hot, despite his relative lack of experience.
However, Alonso knows the Premier League very well, having spent five seasons at Anfield. During that time he helped them win the Champions League and an FA Cup.
ARSENAL STEP UP BID TO SIGN CELTA STAR
Arsenal are reportedly ready to step up their bid to sign Celta Vigo’s rising star Gabri Veiga, with the Spanish outfit almost certainly resigned to losing him this summer.
That’s according to AS, who state that Celta have accepted it is a ‘fantasy’ to expect the midfielder to be playing at the club next season.
And with Celta accepting that Veiga is likely to leave, that has opened the door for a number of European clubs to try and strike a deal.
Chief among his suitors are the Gunners, who view the 20-year-old as someone who could be a mainstay of Arteta’s midfield for years to come.
As for what the player might cost, it’s estimated that if Celta receive an offer of €40million (£35m) for the player then they will almost certainly do business.
However, Arsenal will likely have to move fast if they want to secure a deal, with Real Madrid also known to be sniffing around the player.
