Manchester United have been offered the chance to sign Napoli striker Victor Osimhen in the January transfer window and could complete a lucrative swap deal, according to reports. Several Premier League clubs are said to have been made aware of the Galatasaray loanee’s availability next month, opening the window of opportunity for Ruben Amorim to bolster his attacking arsenal.
Osimhen moulded his reputation as one of the world’s most dangerous goalscorers by netting 76 times in 133 appearances for Napoli.
But he completed a shock switch to Turkey in the summer after his relationship with the Serie A giants broke down and was expected to seal a permanent move at the end of the season.
Osimhen could join a new club months earlier, though, if his successful stint at Galatasaray is cut short by his parent club.
According to TBR Football, United are among the clubs that have been made aware that the 25-year-old is up for sale this winter.
It’s claimed that the Red Devils’ recruitment team, helmed by chief executive Omar Berrada and technical director Jason Wilcox, are actively assessing the situation.
Intermediaries are said to have offered the services of Osimhen, who has scored 12 goals in 15 appearances since moving to Istanbul.
However, United aren’t currently in a position to meet Napoli’s £60million valuation amid limitations imposed by the Premier League and UEFA’s financial rules.
The Red Devils’ wage bill also represents a hurdle, considering Amorim’s three striker options – Rasmus Hojlund, Joshua Zirkzee and Marcus Rashford – earn over £500,000-a-week combined.
Adding Osimhen’s hefty salary isn’t realistic, but there is reportedly a route to agree a transfer that would benefit both clubs.
The report adds that Napoli would be interested in adding Hojlund, Zirkzee or Rashford to Antonio Conte’s squad as part of a blockbuster swap deal.
Hojlund attracted United’s attention with his exploits at Atalanta, while Zirkzee scored 12 Serie A goals last term to become the Italian top-flight’s Young Player of the Season.
Neither striker is likely to leave Old Trafford in January. Hojlund is Amorim’s first-choice frontman, while Zirkzee only arrived in the summer.
Rashford is up for sale, though, and United are believed to value their hometown hero at around £40m after he admitted he was ready for a new challenge.
The England international could be interested in a switch to Napoli, where he would join fellow academy graduate Scott McTominay.
Yet, United aren’t the only club in the frame for Osimhen. Arsenal and Aston Villa are said to have also been offered his signature, while Chelsea are known suitors.
