Manchester United are eyeing a move next summer for Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, report the MEN.
Osimhen has been added to United’s striker shortlist, it is claimed, with any move on hold until next summer.
Napoli are enjoying a strong season, sitting eight points clear at the top of Serie A after 14 games.
Osimhen’s desire to try and win his first Serie A title will ensure he stays until at least summer 2023, but even that will present a dilemma.
Both Napoli and Osimhen may be even more reluctant to break up a title-winning team, and his agent has made clear he is happy at the Italian club.
Osimhen’s agent comments on interest
Osimhen’s agent Roberto Calenda, told Napoli station Radio Kiss Kiss that the striker was never going to leave this past summer, and also insisted a future move is not currently on his agenda.
Calenda said: “Whoever talked about a departure made a mistake. It was Victor’s will to stay at Napoli and play the Champions League that he won entry to last year together with his teammates.
“Victor wanted exactly that, to have a great year with Napoli, between the league and the Champions League. He has a long contract with the Azzurri. The market is dynamic, but our will is to continue at Napoli and continue to do well.”
If he is able to win the title with Napoli, there is every chance he will want to stay and defend it, with a contract at the club until 2025.
Napoli will be a strong position from a sporting and financial sense, and a very high fee will be sought.
The Italian club effectively priced United out of a move for Kalidou Koulibaly in 2018, seeking upwards of £80 million, and even higher figures are being touted for Victor Osimhen.
Victor Osimhen may not be right for United
Calciomercato report Osimhen could cost around £100 million, an excessive fee where Manchester United are concerned, for a player who has his fair share of injury bad luck over the past couple of seasons.
Osimhen has a creditable eight goals in 10 Serie A appearances this season. In the Champions League he has one from three games.
So this season he has already missed seven games due to injury, and in the preceding two seasons he started only 39 Serie A games out of 76 matches.
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