Manchester United are reportedly open to exchanging one of their strikers to sign wantaway Napoli striker Victor Osimhen.
According to Calciomercato, Manchester United and Napoli could be interested in a part-exchange deal involving Victor Osimhen and one of the strikers from Old Trafford. However, Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund could also go the other way, as the Red Devils want the Nigerian as a priority.
Napoli and Victor Osimhen’s story effectively ended last summer, as it is about formalities to finalise a deal to sell the striker after the season ends. The Nigerian international has not dented his value while on loan in Turkey, as he has contributed to 27 goals this term for Galatasaray. This will allow the Partenopei to seek a fee very close to his current release clause.
A few suitors are keen on Osimhen, and as of now, Manchester United are showing signs of prioritising a move for the Nigerian. The Red Devils are reportedly open to triggering his release clause to land the Napoli star, although they could explore a part-exchange deal involving one of their current forwards.
Manchester United’s frontline includes Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund, but neither has made the required impact to cement an essential place under Ruben Amorim. Hence, the Red Devils would be open to sending one of them to Napoli and getting a more favourable deal for Victor Osimhen.
The report states that Napoli might lean towards Hojlund, as they are interested in the Dane should he be made available for a cut-price deal. Any possibility of a part-exchange deal between the two clubs will depend on the final price Napoli would want for Osimhen and Manchester United’s valuation for either of their strikers.
Napoli might prefer Hojlund over Zirkzee
The concept of part-exchange deals is not as straightforward as it sounds. There is a big element of structuring deals that helps clubs over FFP. In the end, it could very well look like separate deals, as Napoli might be interested in one of those two Manchester United strikers.
However, Conte likes to play a specific way, and should Napoli go out in the market looking for an out-and-out No.9, they will certainly lean towards a front two from next season onwards. For that profile, and the report states Hojlund is not part of Manchester United’s plans next season, the Dane might be the likeliest to return to Serie A, with Victor Osimhen heading the other way.