Napoli President Aurelio De Laurentiis would sell Manchester United-linked striker Victor Osimhen to the highest bidder in the summer, according to Sky Sports Switzerland journalist Sacha Tavolieri.
Osimhen has a £62.7 million release clause, which can only be triggered by a non-Italian club. Napoli are unlikely to sell the Nigerian striker for a lesser fee.
The 26-year-old has impressed on loan at Galatasaray, leading the Turkish top-flight’s goal-scoring charts with 20 goals in 22 games.
His time at Galatasaray will end in the summer, as the Turkish club cannot afford to sign him permanently. This will allow Man United and other clubs to compete for his signature.
United have been long-term admirers of Osimhen, having been linked with him before signing strikers Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund.
However, Zirkzee and Hojlund have struggled to establish themselves as reliable first-choice strikers, which could lead the Red Devils to reignite their interest in Osimhen.
Reports suggest United are considering a swap deal involving Hojlund, but such a move appears unlikely.
With multiple positions to strengthen in the summer, United would be cautious about overspending on a single target.
United must pay Osimhen’s entire release clause to win his signature
The Red Devils must fully meet Osimhen’s release clause to beat rival clubs to his signature, given De Laurentiis’ reported position.
De Laurentiis has repeatedly shown that he does not sell players below their market value, and Osimhen’s case is expected to be no different.
With United potentially generating close to £105m from the sales of Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford, and Antony, they could afford to sign Osimhen’s release clause.
They may also be able to accommodate his wages due to the expected departures of Sancho, Rashford, Antony, Casemiro, Victor Lindelof, Christian Eriksen, and Jonny Evans.
Stats from transfermarkt.com