Recent speculation has positioned Manchester United as the leading contenders in the race to secure the services of Victor Osimhen, the talented striker from Napoli. Osimhen’s potential departure from the Italian club, fueled by a rumored release clause estimated at €130 million, has opened the door for interested parties to pursue him without the need for protracted negotiations with his current employers.
Initially, other European giants such as Chelsea, Arsenal, and PSG were prominently linked with Osimhen. PSG, eyeing him as a successor to Kylian Mbappe amid rumors of the latter’s potential move to Real Madrid, viewed Osimhen as an ideal fit. Both Chelsea and Arsenal were also keen on bolstering their attacking options with a high-caliber striker. Chelsea’s pursuit seemed promising, especially with Osimhen reportedly expressing a desire to emulate the legendary Didier Drogba. However, the potential snag involving Napoli teammate Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s reluctance to join Chelsea has complicated their pursuit.
There were speculations about Ratcliffe, Chelsea’s owner, eyeing Osimhen as a marquee signing, conditional upon the club’s qualification for the UEFA Champions League. However, Chelsea’s recent setbacks in the competition have cast doubts on their prospects, potentially altering the dynamics of their pursuit.
What’s intriguing is that the latest reports no longer emphasize Champions League qualification as a prerequisite for Osimhen’s transfer. This shift in perspective coincides with Manchester United’s unexpected emergence as strong contenders for the Nigerian striker. This development is surprising, particularly given United’s simultaneous pursuit of Michael Olise, a pursuit that would also necessitate a substantial financial commitment. Combining the potential acquisitions of Osimhen and Olise would require a considerable investment of around €200 million for Manchester United.
