Man United are determined to sign a striker this summer and they continue to be heavily linked with Napoli ace Victor Osimhen.
Victor Osimhen is expected to leave Napoli this summer.(Image: Ahmad Mora/Getty Images.)
Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez is reportedly open to a move to Napoli in this summer’s transfer window, potentially boosting Manchester United’s chances of landing Victor Osimhen.
According to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, Nunez has given the ‘initial green light’ to Napoli after being shown head coach Antonio Conte’s project at the Serie A champions.
Napoli want to strengthen their attacking options this summer, both centrally and out wide, and have been linked with United trio Alejandro Garnacho, Jadon Sancho and Rasmus Hojlund recently.
Despite allowing him to leave on loan last summer, shipping him out to Galatasaray, Napoli’s attacking pool is set to become one man lighter this summer amid their desire to sell United-linked striker Osimhen. He fell out with Conte last summer and the Italian club are actively looking to sell him.
The Nigerian, 26, excelled at Galatasaray last term, plundering a very impressive 37 goals in just 41 appearances. He also racked up eight assists.
Osimhen has established himself as one of the most prolific and reliable goalscorers in Europe over the last few seasons, meaning there is plenty of interest in his signature. Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal recently attempted to extract him from the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium but Osimhen rejected the move.
Galatasaray want to sign him on a permanent basis, recently informing him they want him to make a decision on his future “as soon as possible”, and United continue to be linked with him amid their desperate need for a striker.
Considering Napoli are keen to sell Osimhen this summer, the prospect of them swooping for Nunez and getting a deal in place relatively quickly could increase United’s chances of landing the former, although player sales will have a big say in what United can do this summer.
The Reds have already spent £62.5million on Matheus Cunha and are now eyeing up Brentford ace Bryan Mbeumo, who could command a similar fee. United do not have a bottomless pit to turn to this summer and player sales are essential to fund further arrivals.
But with Napoli open to selling Osimhen and actively hunting to bring in a replacement centre-forward, it may not be long before they are trying to push the Nigerian out the door and attempting to speed up the sale process.
However, United will find themselves unable to do anything unless they step up their efforts in the seller’s market and find some takers for their unwanted players.
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