A recent report suggests that Manchester United has unexpectedly emerged as the frontrunners in the race to secure the signature of Victor Osimhen. The talented striker from Napoli is anticipated to leave the Italian champions following a disappointing season. Osimhen’s departure is facilitated by a rumored release clause valued at around €130 million, which means potential suitors can acquire him without engaging in negotiations with his current club.
Previously, Chelsea, Arsenal, and PSG were heavily linked with the Nigerian forward. PSG views Osimhen as the ideal replacement for Kylian Mbappe, who is rumored to be joining Real Madrid. Meanwhile, Chelsea and Arsenal are keen on strengthening their attacking lines with a top-notch number nine. Initially, Chelsea seemed poised to land Osimhen, fueled by his reported desire to follow in the footsteps of Blues legend Didier Drogba. However, with the possibility of Napoli teammate Khvicha Kvaratskhelia snubbing Chelsea, their chances of securing Osimhen have diminished.
Speculation had also surfaced regarding Ratcliffe’s interest in Osimhen as a marquee signing for Chelsea, contingent upon Champions League qualification. However, consecutive losses have cast doubt on Chelsea’s Champions League prospects, altering the landscape of their pursuit for Osimhen.
Interestingly, the latest report does not mention Champions League qualification as a prerequisite for Osimhen’s potential transfer. The revelation that Manchester United is now among the favorites to acquire Osimhen comes as a surprise, especially considering their simultaneous pursuit of Michael Olise, whose acquisition would also demand a hefty transfer fee. Collectively, securing both players would necessitate a significant investment of around €200 million for Manchester United.