Robin Bairner
Victor Osimhen celebrates winning the Turkish Cup with Galatasaray
© IMAGO
The latest Victor Osimhen transfer news and rumours as the Napoli striker continues to be linked with a move to the Premier League, where Chelsea and Manchester United are both targeting deals.
Man Utd want Osimhen swap
Manchester United are willing to make a swap deal with Napoli that would see Osimhen move to Old Trafford, a report from Il Mattino (via Calcio Napoli 24) claims.
The Naples newspaper reported on Wednesday: “When it comes to Napoli-level strikers, almost everything depends on Osimhen’s future.
“The masked striker is playing on loan at Galatasaray in Turkey and will only formally return to the shadow of Vesuvius in June. His destiny is elsewhere, there’s no doubt about that. The only think left to decide is his destination.
“Victory has always looked with interest at the Premier League. Manchester United are on his trail and are offering Rasmus Hojlund as a partial bargaining chip.”
FootballTransfers has previously revealed that talks have been opened between Chelsea and Osimhen over personal terms, with the Blues seeking to drive down his €12 million-per-year wage demands. It remains to be seen if this is an issue for United.
Cup final double
Osimhen had plenty of reason to celebrate after Galatasaray claimed the Turkish Cup thanks to a 3-0 win over Trabzonspor in the final of the competition.
Baris Yilmaz scored the opening goal early in the match but this was followed up by a double from the Nigeria hitman in the second half to seal the trophy for Okan Burak’s side.
For his opening goal, he showed outstanding movement, strength and finishing power to break the offside trap and finish powerfully at the near post. His second goal, meanwhile, came with a composed finish following a lightning quick counterattack, sparking crazy celebrations come full-time.
The striker broke his silence over a possible summer transfer away from Napoli but has refused to be drawn into speculation over which club he could join.
The Nigeria international striker is said to hold a preference to move to Chelsea in the summer window, but while he did admit that he has an “important decision” to make, he has not revealed which clubs he is mulling over.
“At the end of the season I will have to make an important decision, I will communicate it only at the end of the season,” he told the media on Wednesday.
“There are always rumours about me, but I live in the moment. Now I am enjoying all this. The fans have supported me incredibly. Not only me, but also my team-mates and my family. The best decision for everyone will be made. But Galatasaray will always remain in my heart.”
Victor Osimhen, Galatasaray
© IMAGO - Victor Osimhen, Galatasaray
Galatasaray hold out hope as Juventus rumours build
Galatasaray vice president Ibrahim Hatipoglu retains hope that the Super Lig side can sign the striker on a permanent basis, despite these words.
“His words do not mean that he will leave. He only said that even if he were to leave, in the worst-case scenario, Galatasaray would remain in his heart. He did not tell us that he will leave, and we want him to stay here,” he said.
In Italy, meanwhile, rumours over a switch to Juventus are building. Although the Serie A side are not able to trigger his release clause, which is not open to Italian clubs, Tuttosport reports that Juve would love to sign the hitman.
Football transfer news headlines today
The Cristiano Ronaldo Club World Cup Conspiracy Theory
Florian Wirtz: Leverkusen star is making a MISTAKE by not waiting for Real Madrid
Mbappe already better than Ronaldo: Real Madrid superstar smashes 70-year-old record
Garnacho in Chelsea’s sights as ‘next transfer priority’ revealed
Chelsea aim to build £1 BILLION football team as new investor joins
The FootballTransfers app
Check out FootballTransfers' new app for all of football's big storylines, transfer rumours and exclusive news in one convenient place directly on your mobile device.
The FootballTransfers app is available on Google Play and in the Apple App Store. Download here:
•Google Play
•App Store