Napoliand Manchester United are in advanced talks over the potential transfer of Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen with the Italian club reportedly ready to offer the Red Devils a discount on the player’s release clause.
According to Il Mattino, Napoli director Giovanni Manna has flown to London to discuss the sale of the 26-year-old with United officials, potentially offering them a reduced fee that would take another of his major suitors in Juventus out of the race.
The Super Eagles striker, currently on loan at Turkish giants Galatasaray, is expected to leave Napoli permanently this summer after previously failing to secure moves to Saudi Arabia and Chelsea last year.
Osimhen’s release clause has dropped to €75m (£64m) this summer, but reports suggest Napoli are willing to negotiate a lower fee for Premier League clubs to avoid strengthening direct Serie A rivals, particularly Juventus.
“It is certainly complicated to deal with Juventus, who have also started their contacts with Osimhen’s entourage. Victor would have no problem wearing the black and white shirt; the problem is the frostiness between (Juventus sporting director Cristiano) Giuntoli and the blue club,” Il Mattino added.
Ruben Amorim’s side are desperate to bolster their attacking options, having scored just 37 goals in 31 Premier League matches this season – making them the sixth-lowest-scoring team in the division.
United have reportedly made Osimhen their No.1 target this summer, according to transfer insider Rudy Galetti, with the Nigerian striker said to be open to a move to Old Trafford despite the club’s current struggles and possible lack of European football next season.
While Chelsea also held talks with Manna during his London visit, the Blues are understood to be prioritising a move for Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap, whom manager Enzo Maresca feels is better suited to their system.
Arsenal have reportedly also submitted a bid for the Nigeria international, while Liverpool, Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain are said to be monitoring the situation closely.
Napoli and Manchester United already have a good relationship following Scott McTominay’s transfer between the clubs last summer, which could potentially smooth negotiations for Osimhen.
The Nigerian striker has been in fine form during his loan spell at Galatasaray with 28 goals in 32 appearances and is currently focused on helping the Turkish club win the Super Lig and Turkish Cup.
