NaijNaira
Manchester United are actively working on a deal to sign Victor Osimhen, and it could involve Rasmus Hojlund heading to Napoli as part of a player-plus-cash offer.
According to Foot Mercato, the Red Devils have opened talks with Serie A champions Napoli, proposing a package worth €40 million (£33.6m) plus Hojlund to secure the Nigerian forward.
Osimhen recently completed a remarkable loan spell at Galatasaray, where he scored 36 goals and provided eight assists in 40 appearances. His form has put him high on the radar of Europe’s top clubs ahead of the summer window.
United’s transfer lead Matt Hargreaves is believed to have traveled to Italy for face-to-face talks with Napoli’s owner Aurelio De Laurentiis and sporting director Giovanni Manna.
While Osimhen has a €75 million (£63m) release clause in his Napoli contract, it is only applicable to clubs outside Italy. Napoli are keen to extract full value from any potential exit, especially with internal tensions between the club and the player.
Despite returning to Naples, Osimhen’s future remains uncertain. Manager Antonio Conte is reportedly open to reintegrating him into the squad. However, relations with the club hierarchy are strained, and a transfer looks increasingly likely.
“The relationship with the club is dead in the water,” a source close to the player told Foot Mercato, suggesting a move away is inevitable.
Arsenal and Chelsea are also interested in the 26-year-old, but Arsenal are currently focused on RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, while Chelsea have concerns over Osimhen’s wage expectations.
Manchester United are in urgent need of a consistent frontman after enduring a lacklustre campaign. Having missed out on Liam Delap, they are now prioritising a high-profile striker to lead their attack.
Budget limitations mean United are exploring creative solutions. Hojlund, who remains a valued asset in Italy, is considered expendable at Old Trafford. Napoli have expressed interest in the Danish international, which could facilitate negotiations.
The clubs maintain a good working relationship, which might aid progress in the deal. However, United face competition from Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal, who are also chasing Osimhen with a lucrative offer on the table.
