Victor Osimhen celebrates Galatasaray's Super Lig championship.
Man United are one of the teams to be linked with a move for Napoli striker Victor Osimhen.
Manchester United’s search for a striker in the summer transfer window has already taken some twists and turns. The latest update means that the club look likely to miss out on Liam Delap.
Various reports, including from our sister site football.london, claim that the striker is closing in on a move to Chelsea after making a decision on his future. Delap has held talks with United along with other clubs.
Chelsea have now reportedly triggered the £30 million release clause in Delap’s Ipswich contract, with the player expected to agree personal terms and undergo a medical with the club imminently.
Delap was a key target for United in the window, but they will now have to move on to alternatives. Viktor Gyokeres is another player to be linked with a move to Old Trafford.
But the lack of European football puts United on the backfoot in a transfer race for the Sweden international. Arsenal are another side to be heavily linked, and can offer Champions League football next season.
So, without a move for Delap or Gyokeres, it leaves one obvious path for United to go down in their search for striking reinforcements for the 2025/26 season. That path is Napoli striker Victor Osimhen.
Chelsea have been linked with the Nigeria international, but their move for Delap could put them out of the race. It’s something that United could take advantage of.
Osimhen has spent the last season on loan from Napoli to Turkish side Galatasaray. He has scored 25 times in 29 league appearances in the season just gone.
He is due to return to Napoli this summer, but seemingly doesn’t have a future with the Italian side. Some reports in Italy claim that Napoli are looking for a fee of around £40 million for the striker.
United could also use transfer interest from Napoli in Alejandro Garnacho to their advantage.
United turned down a £40 million offer from Napoli for the player in January. But there is uncertainty over his future at Old Trafford beyond the summer.
United could therefore offer him as part of a deal that would see Osimhen arrive at Old Trafford. The relationship between the two clubs should also be good after United sold Scott McTominay to Napoli last summer.
The academy graduate has gone on to play a key part in Napoli’s Serie A title win this season.
If United are after a striker this summer who will come in with a proven goalscoring record, then the should look no further that reigniting their interest in Osimhen.
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