Real Madrid and Manchester United reportedly face stiff competition from Chelsea for 24-year-old Napoli striker Victor Osimhen.
According to Ciro Venerato, as relayed by Mondo Napoli, Victor Osimhen is a popular figure in the market. Real Madrid, Manchester United, and Chelsea are keen on signing the 24-year-old Napoli striker. Meanwhile, the Serie A giants are ready to break their wage structure to keep hold of the in-form attacker.
Venerato said, “Where Osimhen’s representatives or the footballer show the desire to gain new experiences elsewhere, Napoli could sell him for very high €120 million or €140 million. Many top clubs are on the Nigerian: first and foremost Real Madrid, because Carlo Ancelotti dotes on him; then Manchester United, Tottenham (if Harry Kane leaves) and Chelsea.”
Victor Osimhen has come leaps and bounds since joining Napoli from Lille in September 2020. The Nigerian international faced teething problems at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium. But he has been top-class in the last 24 months, going from strength to strength despite a facial injury.
The 24-year-old is enjoying an excellent 2022/23 season, amassing 14 goals and four assists in 19 appearances. And it is hardly surprising that Osimhen’s performances have captured the attention of several high-profile clubs. Real Madrid, Manchester United, and Chelsea are among his prospective suitors.
Real Madrid will look to lay down the succession plan for Karim Benzema in the coming months. The Frenchman has been a talismanic figure for Los Blancos in the last half a decade. But injury issues have plagued the veteran striker this season. So while Endrick will join Real Madrid next year, they might need a solution in the 2023/24 season. And Osimhen has emerged as a viable target.
As for Manchester United, Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure has left a spot open in the offensive unit. And the Red Devils are keen on signing a striker in the summer transfer window. To that end, Osimhen is among the strikers to have emerged on Manchester United’s radar.
Meanwhile, Chelsea might sell Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in the summer, with the former Arsenal captain failing to make his mark at Stamford Bridge. The Blues have invested heavily in the offensive unit by signing several attackers. But a top-class striker can make a world of difference for Chelsea. And 24-year-old Osimhen is the ideal long-term target for the west Londoners.
Apart from Real Madrid, Manchester United, and Chelsea, Tottenham might also look to sign the Nigerian from Napoli if Harry Kane leaves. Meanwhile, the Serie A giants are ready to break their wage structure to keep the 24-year-old at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium. So it will be interesting to see if Osimhen remains at the Serie A club beyond the summer.
