Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur look set to be handed a major blow in the race to sign Victor Osimhen. The 23-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to north London in the past, but the striker could soon be penning a deal with Manchester United.
Osimhen, who sees his contract at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona expire in 202r, featured 27 times for Luciano Spalletti's side in the Serie A last season, directly contributing towards 19 goals. His impressive displays guided the Italian giants to a third-place finish in the league - just five points title contenders Inter Milan.
And, Osimhen has started the new season as well as he finished the last, scoring twice in three games to send Napoli top of the table. But, while he may continue to prove himself as one of Europe's leading strikers, his contract expires in two years and, naturally, his market value will gradually decrease until it's too late.
Ronaldo swap deal
Osimhen has become heavily linked with a move to Manchester United, with the summer transfer window set to close in the coming days. And, according to ESPN senior journalist Gabriele Marcotti, a move to Old Trafford could hinge on whether a Cristiano Ronaldo swap deal can be achieved.
Edu bid rejected, Napoli set price
Earlier in the summer, Arsenal had a bid worth €90million (£76million) reject for Osimhen, according to Calciomercato. The striker has been central to the Napoli's success in recent years, with many top European clubs reportedly keen to secure his signature.
The report adds that the Italian side's transfer chief Aurelio De Laurentiis values the Nigeria international at around £93million. Any form of move away from Napoli is yet to materialise, with the asking price likely to be a primary deterrent.
Tottenham consider move
Osimhen was once on Spurs' radar, football.london understand. Tottenham first considered the striker from his time in Ligue1
Osimhen 'chooses' Arsenal over Man Utd, Spurs advantage
As reported by the La Gazzetta dello Sport, via Daily Express, Osimhen has reportedly said that he would prefer to a move to the Emirates Stadium over Old Trafford. However, it's believed that the 23-year-old has a long-standing desire to play in the Champions League this season.
Of course, neither Arsenal or United are in the competition this term, handing Tottenham a major advantage if Fabio Paratici looks to hijack a deal. Napoli will participate in the Champions League this season though, essentially giving Osimhen little reason to leave.
According to Italian newspaper Il Corriere dello Sport, via Football Italia, Osimhen's agent has met with Napoli's transfer chief Aurelio De Laurentiis and sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli to discuss a potential move to Arsenal or Manchester United.
Osimhen has previously admitted that he came close to joining Arsenal during Arsene Wenger's trophy-laden time in north London. Speaking to the Independent back in 2020, the striker said: "I spoke with Arsene Wenger after the tournament (Under-17 World Cup) ended and he wanted me to come to Arsenal.
"I had a lot of options. Barcelona; Inter Milan; Atletico Madrid; Juventus and the rest. Arsenal was a good option but it wasn’t the best at the time. I wanted to start playing as soon as I turned 18."
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