The transfer saga surrounding Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen has taken another dramatic twist as Napoli have reportedly expressed interest in a player swap deal with Manchester United, paving the way for the 25-year-old forward’s potential exit. The Serie A giants are understood to be open to negotiations involving multiple United players in exchange for Osimhen, who is valued at £60 million.
Osimhen, whose stellar performances over the past year have catapulted him to the top of Europe’s transfer wishlist, is currently on loan at Turkish giants Galatasaray, where he has been in scintillating form. Despite this, it appears that Napoli are keen to cash in on the striker, especially as his contract situation in Naples continues to develop.
The Nigerian international’s value has skyrocketed following his successful spell at Galatasaray, where he has netted 12 goals and provided five assists in just 15 appearances this season. His impressive performances have caught the attention of top European clubs, including Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), Arsenal, and Chelsea.
PSG, in particular, has reportedly been in touch with the player’s representatives, though sources suggest that Osimhen is content at Galatasaray for now. His release clause is set at around €80 million (£70 million), which could drop to €70 million next summer, further intensifying the competition for his signature.
“Napoli is open to creative deals,” a source close to the negotiations revealed to Tuttomercatoweb. “They are keen to find a way to offload Osimhen, and they are not opposed to negotiating a swap deal if the right players are involved.”
While PSG remain a strong contender, both Arsenal and Chelsea have also shown interest in bolstering their attacking options. Arsenal, under manager Mikel Arteta, is reportedly weighing up their options, with Osimhen on the shortlist of potential forwards. Similarly, Chelsea has expressed interest in the striker, having seen him as a long-term replacement for their own attacking stalwarts.
In a twist that could further stir the pot, CaughtOffside reported that intermediaries have reached out to Manchester United with an enticing proposition: a swap deal involving Osimhen. However, the Old Trafford club, while actively scouting forwards, is reportedly not in a financial position to meet Napoli’s £60 million asking price outright. Instead, United could offer players as part of the deal.
“There is a possibility of a swap deal involving some high-profile Manchester United players,” a source familiar with the negotiations told Tuttomercatoweb. “Napoli is eager to refresh their squad, and bringing in a player of Osimhen’s caliber is a big step in that direction. But they are also keen to avoid a situation where they lose Osimhen for nothing in the coming seasons.”
