Chelsea Exit Striker Race as Manchester United Prepare £40m Summer Bid | OneFootball

Victor Osimhen Chase Offers New Hope for Manchester United

Chelsea’s Exit Leaves United in Pole Position

Manchester United’s hunt for a proven goalscorer has been given fresh impetus, with Chelsea reportedly pulling out of the race to sign Victor Osimhen, according to The Mirror. For a club desperate for clinical edge after a season of misfires, it could prove a transformative summer.

Both United and Chelsea have suffered in front of goal, with Rasmus Højlund and Joshua Zirkzee managing just three Premier League goals each. Meanwhile, Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku have scored nine and three respectively — an underwhelming return for sides with Champions League aspirations.

Photo: IMAGO

Osimhen’s prolific season on loan at Galatasaray, where he has struck 30 goals in 35 appearances across all competitions, has thrust him back into the spotlight. Entering the final year of his Napoli contract, the Nigerian striker appears poised for a move — and crucially, United believe they are in prime position.

United’s Transfer Strategy Under Ruben Amorim

United’s boss Ruben Amorim has made Osimhen his number one target for the summer, with Mirror Football reporting a £40 million move is being prepared. This figure, seen as a cut-price opportunity due to Napoli’s need to sell or risk losing Osimhen for nothing in 2026, offers an intriguing window for United to finally address their attacking shortcomings.

United’s financial restrictions, driven by profit and sustainability regulations, are well-documented. Yet optimism remains. As CEO Omar Berrada told TNT Sports:“We speak to Ruben very frequently. Ruben has a good relationship with Jason Wilcox. They both share the vision of how they want to see the team playing.”

Financial Planning and Recruitment Priorities

Berrada’s words hint at a clear summer strategy: smart investment aligned with a distinct playing philosophy.“It is about planning properly for the summer transfer window and having a clear idea of what players we want to bring in. We’re making some big efforts to get us in the best financial position. Even if we’re outside of Europe – I think we will be in a position to invest in the squad.”

Ruben Amorim, too, has laid out the roadmap, stressing the summer’s critical importance:“There are characteristics we don’t have in our squad and we are trying to see about the gaps we have,” Amorim noted earlier this month.“When I say we need ‘big players’ I’m not talking about players from Real Madrid. I am talking about players in the way I see the game. Of course money helps! We need to be really good in recruitment.”

Excitement Builds for Next Season

Amorim’s energy is palpable:“We need to know our system and the way we play – and the players have to be perfect for their positions. So we know what we have to do, that is clear, and we will see next season.”Reflecting on his past success and current excitement, Amorim added:“United is a different context (to Sporting) and a different league but we were in a similar position – and maybe even lower. I was lucky to work with Hugo [Viana] and I find I have more or less the same relationship with Jason. So in that part I am completely relaxed.”

Still, the pressures of Old Trafford are not lost on the Portuguese manager:“It is different because the competition here is different but, of course, we need to have a great connection. I am really excited for next season and also really stressed because I put a lot of pressure on us.”

If United can land Osimhen, Amorim’s vision could quickly gain momentum.

Our View – EPL Index

If this report from The Mirror holds true, United fans have every reason to be buzzing. Signing Victor Osimhen would feel like a statement of intent from Ruben Amorim. Thirty goals in 35 games is the kind of lethal firepower we have been craving since the days of prime Rooney and Van Persie.

The fact Chelsea are stepping away makes this even sweeter — for once, it feels like the stars are aligning in our favour. Sure, the £40m figure sounds low for a player of Osimhen’s calibre, but that’s exactly why this is the perfect time to pounce.

Hearing Berrada and Amorim talk about smart recruitment is refreshing too. No more buying overpriced ‘names’ just for shirt sales. Amorim’s vision of finding ‘perfect fit’ players is what United need to get back to the top.

Yes, financial constraints are a concern, and missing out on Europe hurts. But with Amorim at the wheel and real backing this summer, the rebuild feels more exciting than it has in years. Landing Osimhen could be the catalyst for a genuine new era at Old Trafford — and finally, fans can dream again.