Manchester United consider player-plus-cash bid for Serie A star | OneFootball

Manchester United Plot Osimhen Swoop as Napoli Await Formal Move

Manchester United’s growing interest in Napoli’s Victor Osimhen offers a fascinating insight into what could become one of the defining transfer sagas of the summer.

Osimhen Prioritises Premier League Over Saudi Millions

Despite the ongoing financial pressure from Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal, Victor Osimhen continues to resist the lure of the Saudi Pro League in favour of a more competitive and traditional destination — the Premier League.

Gazzetta dello Sport confirm that “Victor Osimhen still sees himself as an important player for elite football and sees his future there, not in Saudi Arabia.” This sentiment led to the Nigerian turning down a staggering three-year offer worth €40 million per season from Al Hilal.

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Napoli, however, are holding firm. Club president Aurelio De Laurentiis has reiterated that any deal for Osimhen must meet the €75 million release clause stipulated in his contract, valid only for non-Italian clubs. “Not one cent less,” the club reportedly told Osimhen in the wake of Al Hilal’s failed bid.

Although his contract runs until 2026, the striker’s heart appears to be set on a move away from Naples this summer. Currently, Osimhen is expected to report back for pre-season in mid-July, but very few within the industry expect him to stay that long.

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United Circle As Napoli Hold Position

The most intriguing aspect of the situation is the growing speculation surrounding Manchester United’s interest. Gazzetta report that “behind Osimhen’s rejection of Al Hilal is the strong interest of Manchester United.”

So far, no official bid has been lodged by the Premier League club, but it is widely believed they are exploring the most effective way to persuade Napoli to enter negotiations. That includes the possibility of offering a player-plus-cash deal.

The Italian club’s transfer history with United is worth noting. Talks over Alejandro Garnacho in January ultimately came to nothing, with the Argentine remaining at Old Trafford. Napoli were disappointed not to land a player they viewed as a possible replacement for Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. Meanwhile, United missed an opportunity to recoup a significant fee and saw little return on the pitch.

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Garnacho’s name is no longer being linked, but another has emerged.

Zirkzee Proposed in New Package Deal

According to Gazzetta, United are now considering offering Joshua Zirkzee as part of the package to land Osimhen. The Dutch striker, formerly of Bologna, has struggled to meet expectations at United but is still held in high regard in Italy.

With Napoli seeking an alternative to Romelu Lukaku for a campaign that will involve domestic and Champions League ambitions, Zirkzee is being floated as a technically adept and physically capable option. He could “link play and bring others into the game,” in much the same way Lukaku operated during his prime.

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As Napoli’s new sporting leadership duo of Antonio Conte and Giovanni Manna look to reshape the squad, there is a sense that their Premier League links — particularly with United — could bear fruit again, just as they did last summer.

Premier League Path Continues to Attract Napoli

The relationship between Napoli and English football continues to evolve. “Since the arrival of Conte and Manna, a special bond with the Premier League has emerged,” Gazzetta point out, highlighting how United proved a fertile ground for recruitment during their Scudetto-winning season.

Zirkzee is no Scott McTominay, but he offers different qualities and a similar upside. The 23-year-old is viewed as a mobile, intelligent striker who could thrive in Serie A’s tactical landscape.

The key for United now is timing and execution. Al Hilal will continue to push, but the longer Osimhen waits, the more likely it becomes that Old Trafford will be his next destination.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

Manchester United fans should be more than encouraged by this report. After a season of mediocrity and missed opportunities, this feels like the sort of bold, headline-making move the club has needed. Osimhen would be more than just a marquee signing — he would be a clear signal that United still command pulling power on the global stage.

Imagine him leading the line at Old Trafford, flanked by the likes of Amad and Fernandes. His pace, strength and hunger for top-tier football would be a natural fit for the Premier League, especially in a side crying out for a genuine number nine.

The proposed inclusion of Joshua Zirkzee also shows a level of creativity in the negotiation process not often associated with United in recent years. It’s smart, it’s strategic and it could solve two problems in one — bolstering Napoli while landing a proven goalscorer.

For a club on the brink of yet another rebuild, Victor Osimhen could be the cornerstone. He doesn’t just bring goals — he brings belief.