Recent reports have indicated that Manchester United has emerged as unexpected frontrunners in the pursuit of Victor Osimhen, the talented striker from Napoli. Osimhen’s potential departure from the Italian champions, amidst a lackluster season, is facilitated by a rumored release clause valued at approximately €130 million, allowing potential suitors to acquire him without engaging in negotiations with Napoli.
Previously, clubs like Chelsea, Arsenal, and PSG were strongly linked with the Nigerian forward. PSG sees Osimhen as an ideal replacement for Kylian Mbappe, amidst rumors of Mbappe joining Real Madrid. Chelsea and Arsenal, on the other hand, seek to bolster their attacking options with a top-tier number nine. Initially, Chelsea appeared to be the frontrunners for Osimhen, fueled by his reported desire to emulate Blues legend Didier Drogba. However, with Napoli teammate Khvicha Kvaratskhelia potentially snubbing Chelsea, their chances of landing Osimhen have diminished.
There was speculation about 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 aspirations, impacting their pursuit of 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 sign Osimhen is surprising, especially considering their simultaneous pursuit of Michael Olise, whose acquisition would also demand a hefty transfer fee. Together, securing both players would necessitate a significant investment of around €200 million for Manchester United.
