Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand believes Victor Osimhen is holding out for the club to make a move for his signature. The Nigerian international spent the previous season on loan at Galatasaray, with his parent club Napoli reportedly ready to sell this summer.
Ferdinand's comments come amidst rumours that another target, Viktor Gyokeres, would prefer a transfer to a Champions League club and the Red Devils surprisingly U-turned on their interest, looking elsewhere with Hugo Ekitike. Gyokeres shone under United's head coach, Ruben Amorim, at Sporting CP, but a reunion may not be entirely simple.
Gyokeres was also on Arsenal's radar, with the Gunners weighing up between him and Benjamin Sesko. Now, as per German reports, Mikel Arteta's team have reached an agreement with Sesko - although they haven't yet met RB Leipzig's asking price for the Slovenian.
United have already strengthened their attack this summer with a £62.5million capture of Wolves' Matheus Cunha. Brentford's Bryan Mbeumo has also been linked, despite United - unlike Spurs, who are also interested - not being able to offer Champions League football.
Osimhen, who netted 37 times in 41 appearances for Galatasaray last season, has also caught the eye of Saudi club Al-Hilal. However, the 26-year-old is thought to favour a move to a European club, and Ferdinand has made his stance clear.
"No.9, they already know who I want," Ferdinand exclaimed on his FIVE YouTube show, as he deliberated over United's striking options. "The comments know, the people know who I want, who I would go and get: Osimhen!"
"It looks like he's turned down Al-Hilal... he must be waiting for Man United. I don't know if Man United are going to come. That's the problem."
Ferdinand went on to hint that he wouldn’t mind seeing Gyokeres sport the red of Manchester, should their chase for Osimhen fall through. Meanwhile, Juventus have thrown their hat in the ring for the Swede’s signature after his influential role in Sporting's title-winning season.
Arsenal have reportedly put a hold on their interest. The Gunners' intent to sign Sesko has emerged as Leipzig missed out on Champions League football, prompting them to entertain a sale at the right offer. But with the Gunners baulking at a fee exceeding £60m, negotiations are at a stalemate.
Despite speculation last summer connecting Sesko with a move to Arsenal, and even after penning a deal until 2024, the north Londoners' pursuit remains undeterred. Failing to land the ex-Red Bull Salzburg ace could see them revive interest in another previous target, Aston Villa and England forward, Ollie Watkins.