Erik ten Hag is interested in signing Napoli goal-machine Victor Osimhen, but Manchester United have stated that they would not meet Napoli’s ‘crazy’ €100 million (£86 million) asking price for their star striker.
Following his incredible goalscoring exploits with Napoli over the last 18 months, Osimhen has become one of Europe’s most sought-after forwards. The 23-year-old scored 14 goals in 27 games last season and has nine goals in 11 games this season for Luciano Spalletti’s side.
A number of Premier League clubs were said to be interested in Osimhen’s talents over the summer, but United’s interest may have firmed up in the aftermath of Cristiano Ronaldo’s unexpected departure from the club last week.
Ten Hag is in need of a striker after Cristiano Ronaldo left Old Trafford with “immediate effect” less than a week after his explosive chat with Piers Morgan, and a transfer for Osimhen would be ideal.
Osimhen was mentioned as a possible target by ESPN earlier this month, but Sky Sports Germany has stated that Manchester United would be hesitant to reach Napoli’s current valuation of the Nigerian ace.
Napoli is in a strong bargaining position with Osimhen under contract until the summer of 2025. Furthermore, there is no release clause in the forward’s deal – meaning the Italian outfit has no real reason to compromise on their current demands.
Following Ronaldo’s departure from the club, a slew of attacking players have been linked with a move to Old Trafford. The 37-year-situation old’s became untenable after he trashed Ten Hag and the Glazer family in a 90-minute unofficial interview with Morgan.
After a move to Manchester collapsed in the final days of the summer transfer window, Dutch attacker Cody Gakpo has emerged as another option to replace Ronaldo.
The PSV Eindhoven striker has bounced back in spectacular fashion, contributing 30 goals in just 24 games for the Dutch giants. Gakpo has also made an impression at the World Cup, as he has scored twice in as many games for Louis van Gaal’s team.
And, amid reports that Manchester United may revive their interest in Gakpo when the transfer window reopens in January, the in-demand forward has refused to rule out leaving PSV in the New Year.
“I’m currently focused on the World Cup.” “he stated during a news conference “It’s always good to hear [transfer rumors], but I’m just trying to do my best here. I’m not afraid to spread rumors. But it’s a team sport, not a solo endeavor.
“I’d rather it be about the team. People write good things, but I’m not very worried about it. I’m currently working with the Dutch team. I’ll wait till winter to see what happens. Anything is possible in football.”
