Man Utd and Chelsea handed boost in pursuit of prolific forward as contact talks reach ‘stalemate’
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Victor Osimhen celebrate for Napoli
Manchester United and Chelsea have each been handed a boost in pursuit of Napoli forward Victor Osimhen as his latest contract talks have hit a stalemate.
The 24-year-old is one of the most in-demand players in Europe right now. Following his latest season with Napoli, where he scored 31 goals, plenty of clubs have registered an interest.
The likes of Man Utd and Chelsea have each been long-term admirers of the forward. Man Utd seemingly distanced themselves from the deal when Napoli valued the forward at over £100m.
However, they have been handed a boost and could return for the Napoli man after all. According to GOAL, Osimhen’s latest contract talks with Napoli have reached a ‘stalemate’.
The forward is under contract until 2025, although the club is keen on a new long-term deal in order to protect his market value.
Osimhen reportedly wants a £103.8m release clause to be included in the new contract, although Napoli are demanding the release clause is set at £173m instead.
There’s no doubt that Man Utd and Chelsea will be keeping a keen eye on these developments as they could re-enter the race to sign Osimhen in due course.
The likes of PSG and Real Madrid are also keeping tabs on the 24-year-old, although Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis is confident the striker will stay put.
“We will see Victor Osimhen wearing our shirt next season, that’s for sure,” De Laurentiis said.
“Then if a more than indecent proposal arrives, we will move on and find another top talent as we did with Kvaratskhelia and Osimhen.”
Erik ten Hag focused on Rasmus Hojlund
While Osimhen could be made available later down the line, Man Utd are focusing their efforts on signing Hojlund for the time being.
Hojlund is reportedly growing ‘impatient’ with Atalanta as the two clubs continue to negotiate over a price. The Italian side are holding out for a deal in excess of £60m, which is more than Man Utd are prepared to pay at this stage.
Fabrizio Romano previously revealed that personal terms have already been agreed between Man Utd and Hojlund, but his price tag remains a sticking point.
While Hojlund isn’t quite at the level of Osimhen right now, he does have a huge future in the game. The 20-year-old scored 10 goals last season and his potential is obvious to see.
Comparisons between the Atalanta forward and Erling Haaland have already begun and Man Utd will be desperate to land this deal as soon as possible.
Ten Hag has already been boosted by the arrivals of Mason Mount and Andre Onana, but the success of this transfer window will be judged on whether or not they land a striker target.
