The Red Devils are in the window to sign a proven centre-forward.
Victor Osimhen is still hoping to join the Premier League, and Manchester United have approached him with a Joshua Zirkzee-related offer.
Even though Osimhen has a contract with the Serie A champions through 2026, he is certain to leave Napoli this summer. Saudi powerhouse Al-Hilal showed a great deal of interest in him and were prepared to offer a three-year contract worth €120 million (£100 million/$135 million).
The forward, however, rejected all of Al-Hilal’s approaches, stating that he wants to stay in Europe and hopes to join a Premier League team. United are one English team with which he has been closely associated throughout the season, and they may yet provide Osimhen the chance to realise his ambition this summer.
United have reportedly rekindled their chase of Osimhen, who has stated that he would not be leaving Europe, according to a report from La Gazzetta dello Sport. According to reports, United are hesitant to pay Victor Osimhen’s €75 million (£63 million/$85 million) release clause. But they are considering the prospect of lowering the total cost by offering out-of-favour forward Joshua Zirkzee.
With this strategy, the Red Devils seek to persuade Aurelio De Laurentiis, the president of Napoli, to agree to a lower price for the Nigerian striker. After a dismal season in which they finished just above the relegation zone and lost to rivals Tottenham in the Europa League final, United see Victor Osimhen as the key to turning things around.
Zirkzee, who made an impression with Bologna in Serie A, would be amenable to returning there. Given that the Red Devils acquired Matheus Cunha, it is obvious that Zirkzee will not be included in Ruben Amorim’s plans for the upcoming campaign.
According to reports, Inter, the Champions League finalists, planned to loan the Dutchman with the option to purchase him. However, after losing out on top target Liam Delap to Chelsea, United’s interest in Osimhen, with the plan of using Zirkzee as a medium to bargain, may have become stronger.
Victor Osimhen’s decision to turn down a transfer to Al-Hilal essentially eliminates him from playing in the forthcoming Club World Cup, therefore, the start of the new season will mark his next club football appearance.
After playing a key part in their Super Lig title victory, the striker, who scored 37 goals in 41 games across all competitions last season, has already received an offer from Turkish powerhouse Galatasaray.
For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Telegram.
