Aheed Abrar
Napoli president admits it would take big offer to part ways with Manchester United target Victor Osimhen
Aurelio De Laurentiis, the president of Napoli, has admitted that it would take a big offer to part ways with Victor Osimhen amidst interest from Manchester United.
The Red Devils are looking to bolster the forward line in the upcoming transfer window. To that end, the Old Trafford side have the Nigeria international on their radar. The 24-year-old is one of the Manchester-based club’s targets as they look to buy a number nine next summer.
Speaking to TNT Sports (h/t Manchester Evening News), De Laurentiis is confident about Osimhen staying with the Partenopei. However, he has still left the door open in case a massive bid arrives for the striker’s services.
“I am very good at making contracts, so when they come to me, they are blocked, so keeping them here won’t be difficult. However, never say never. Sometimes there are offers you can’t refuse, so you never know. To me, we’ll see them shine for a long time.”
The 24-year-old joined the Naples-based club in the summer of 2020 from LOSC Lille. In France, the Nigerian had an impressive season which led to the Serie A giants pouncing on his signature.
After taking a few campaigns in Italy, Osimhen seems to have finally found his feet this term. In 24 appearances in all competitions, he has found the back of the net 20 times and has provided four assists.
Napoli are flying high as well at the moment. Luciano Spalletti’s team are currently at the top of the league, 15 points clear of second place Inter Milan. They also beat Eintracht Frankfurt 2-0 in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16.
Victor Osimhen’s literally flying 🚀🔵 #UCL
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 21, 2023
Nigerian striker has scored 20 goals in 24 appearances this season with Napoli — also including 7 consecutive goals in Serie A for the first time in the history of the club. pic.twitter.com/cfJU7f1zbk
At United, Erik ten Hag has had to rely on the likes of Anthony Martial and Wout Weghorst up top this season. The former AS Monaco star has been unavailable for most of the campaign due to fitness issues.
On the other hand, the Holland international was signed on loan in January from Burnley. The 30-year-old has not been prolific. As a result, the Dutch manager has had to rely on Marcus Rashford to consistently find the back of the net.
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Therefore, the Red Devils could evidently do with more firepower up front. However, will the Old Trafford side be able to convince Napoli to sell Osimhen? Only time will tell.
