Al Hilal did think they had sealed the Nigerian's signature, with the offer for €40m over three years, only for Osimhen to pull the plug at the last minute. The Saudi club tried again before yesterday's first summer deadline, but again were rejected.
Why? Because, according to Gazetta dello Sport, Osimhen wants to play in the Premier League. He has one year left on his contract in Naples, and United sense an opportunity.
United hope they can bring the cost of Osimhen down by offering striker [Joshua Zirkzee](/topic/joshua-zirkzee) in part-exchange and the report claims Napoli are open to the idea.
There is a relationship between the two clubs after Scott McTominay's stunning success in Italy, after swapping Old Trafford for Serie A, and United hope a deal to take Osimhen in the opposite direction can be struck despite a lack of Champions League football on offer.
Zirkzee has impressed in Italy already, with his form for Bologna convincing United to part ways with the best part of £40m last summer.
Napoli believe Zirkzee will have a point to prove upon a possible return to Italy. One to watch.