Napoli want to “finalise” the departure of Victor Osimhen this summer and are “open” to player exchange deals with the Italian side holding long-term interest in two Manchester United forwards, according to TBR Football.
Osimhen, 26, is currently on loan at Galatasaray after joining the Turkish side after the summer transfer window had closed – Turkey’s market remains open for a week longer – as Napoli had been unable to agree a permanent exit for the striker.
Osimhen has scored 17 goals in 23 games for Galatasaray, helping propel them to the top of the Süper Lig table and the playoffs of the Europa League, where a potential match-up against United could take place in the next round.
Another Transfer Saga this Summer
The Nigerian international’s contract in Naples, signed in December 2023, runs until June 2026 and contained a £100 million release clause last summer. 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.
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Darragh Fox
Darragh is a writer for The Peoples Person who spent three years as a history graduate slowly realising football was by far the most interesting thing to write about.
