By LUKE POWER
Published: 06:58 EDT, 29 May 2025 | Updated: 07:09 EDT, 29 May 2025
Manchester United are reportedly talking to Napoli about an earth-shattering swap involving Victor Osimhen and Rasmus Hojlund - plus a substantial fee.
Osimhen is one of Europe's most wanted men and United have flown out one of their transfer kingpins to try and steer Osimhen away from their rivals and Saudi Arabia.
United have reportedly sent recruitment planner Matt Hargreaves to sweet talk Napoli president Aurelio Di Laurentiis and sporting director Giovanni Manna.
Napoli are willing to let United have their prize if they are ready to hand over Hojlund and around £33.5million, according to local outlet Il Napolista.
Osimhen is due to return to Naples in the coming days, having spent the year on loan at Galatasaray, where he has added 36 goals and a league title to his portfolio.
Napoli lifted the Serie A title without him this weekend under Antonio Conte - just two years after he fired them to the Scudetto with 31 goals in all competitions.
On paper, the deal looks something of a steal.
Osimhen, 26, has now spent seven seasons as a prolific striker in Belgium, France, Italy, and Turkey.
In 2023, for his brilliance in firing Napoli to their first title in 33 years, he was named the eighth-best footballer in the world in the Ballon d'Or vote.
The former African Footballer of the Year has enjoyed his best season to date, putting sides around Turkey and Europe to the sword in a scintillating loan stint.
It means he has now smashed in 74 goals in the last three seasons - more than twice as many as Hojlund, who has 36.
However, United will have to get their elbows out to pull off such a catch and there is no guarantee that Osimhen would want to move to Old Trafford, which has just witnessed its most catastrophic season in the Premier League.
Indeed, Sky Sports reported a few days ago that Osimhen is in advanced talks with Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal.
The Nigerian has long been linked with multiple Premier League clubs, including United, Chelsea, and Arsenal - who Mikel Arteta has admitted need a 'goal threat'.
More to follow.