Napoli to consider “exchanging players” for ‘World class’ striker Victor Osimhen with two Man United stars on their list

Napoli to consider “exchanging players” for ‘World class’ striker Victor Osimhen with two Man United stars on their list

According to TBR Football, Napoli wants to “finalize” Victor Osimhen’s departure this summer and is “open” to player swap agreements with the Italian team that has a long-standing interest in two Manchester United attackers.

The 26-year-old Osimhen joined Galatasaray on loan after the summer transfer window ended (the Turkish market is still open for another week) since Napoli was unable to reach an agreement on a permanent departure for the striker.

With 17 goals in 23 games, Osimhen has helped Galatasaray climb to the top of the Süper Lig league and go to the Europa League playoffs, where they may face United in the next round.

And while there was significant interest in the 26-year-old across the continent, and the Saudi Pro League, no deal could be agreed which satisfied all respective parties.

However, this clause will be lowered to “around £65 million” at the end of this campaign, fuelling reports Europe’s elite will return for Osimhen; with United likely to be at the front of the queue given the club’s ongoing issues up front.

The report suggests “England is the most likely option” for the Nigerian international at this stage, though remaining at Galatasaray is another “possibility”.

United’s Advantage in the Race
TBR reporter Graeme Bailey reveals Napoli are also “open to exchange deals” for Osimhen in place of this release clause – with the Serie A leaders “appreciat[ing] several players at Old Trafford, including Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund.”

Premier League rivals Arsenal, Aston Villa, Chelsea, and Newcastle are all said to be “monitoring” Osimhen’s situation in Naples as well, suggesting United’s pursuit will be a difficult one.

However, Ruben Amorim is in desperate need of a proven goal-scorer to help successfully implement his 3-4-3 system which relies on a strong number nine to lead the line.

Osimhen’s potent pairing of outstanding physical attributes with a track record of goals makes him an ideal candidate, particularly if a deal can be struck at a reduced price with the out-of-form Hojlund heading in the other direction.

Or, alternatively, Garnacho could be used as Napoli made several attempts to sign the 20-year-old in the winter window as a replacement for Georgian winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who joined Paris Saint-Germain in January.

The highest figure the Italian side were reported to be willing to reach was a total package worth €55 million – less than £20 million shy of Osimhen’s release clause this summer.

If United were able to agree a part-exchange deal involving the Argentinian winger, despite Garnacho’s outstanding potential, it may prove a move too tempting to turn down given the upgrade it would produce up front