Premier League

I have agreed to join Manchester United since Ruben Amorim has promised to sell that guy, he was the reason I refused to join in January”: Man United’s top transfer target Viktor Gyokeres has revealed why he snubbed Man United’s transfer in January

Manchester United’s need for a ruthless goalscorer is pretty apparent once you look at Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee’s stats this season.

While the Dane has only eight goals, the Dutchman has six. The ex-Atalanta starlet only recently ended his 99-day goalless drought in the Premier League while the summer signing is much more comfortable playing as an attacking midfielder than up top.

Which is why Ruben Amorim has prioritised the addition of a striker once the transfer window opens. A reunion with Viktor Gyokeres was what he was hoping for but the Swede is intent on playing Champions League football, something that might not be on offer at Old Trafford next term.

As a result, Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, currently on loan at Galatasaray, has been elevated to the top spot with the Nigerian setting the Turkish league on fire.

Osimhen fits United’s demands

The 26-year-old has 26 goals and five assists and Napoli are likely to move him on once the season concludes. Gala would love to keep a hold of him but they would struggle to match the Italian side’s asking price while also paying the striker’s humongous wages.

Even the Red Devils would find it hard to satisfy the Serie A giants which is why plenty of swap deal rumours involving Hojlund heading to the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium have been mooted.

But The Athletic‘s reliable journalist Laurie Whitwell had an interesting take on the situation. He revealed on the Inside United podcast (via Givemesport) that Alejandro Garnacho could be the United player to make way.

The Argentine was a January target for the Naples-based outfit but they refused to pay over €55 million for the 20-year-old with United valuing him close to €70 million.
Antonio Conte still needs a replacement for Kvicha Kvaratshkhelia and the Carrington graduate could be used as part of a swap deal to land Osimhen.

“In terms of what they want from a striker, I think Osimhen would fit that bill. So I wonder what happens there. The only thing is, Napoli, how much would they want for him?

And would some kind of transfer swap make some kind of sense? Obviously, they’ve been interested in Alejandro Garnacho already. I wouldn’t rule out something like that potentially happening.”

Garnacho also ended his goalscoring drought against Leicester City recently but his finishing has let him down recently. Not to mention attitude issues.

So would Amorim be open to letting the wonderkid leave? He had fought with INEOS to keep him at the club during the winter window. A lot can change from now until the end of the season. An interesting saga worth keeping an eye on.
Manchester United’s quest for a prolific striker has intensified due to the underwhelming goal returns from Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee this season. Hojlund has netted eight goals, while Zirkzee has contributed six, highlighting the need for a more ruthless presence in front of goal.

Manager Ruben Amorim has prioritized acquiring a top-tier striker in the upcoming transfer window. Initially, a reunion with Viktor Gyökeres was considered; however, the Swedish forward’s desire for UEFA Champions League football, which may not be available at Old Trafford next season, has led United to explore other options.

Victor Osimhen, currently on loan at Galatasaray from Napoli, has emerged as a prime target. The 26-year-old Nigerian international has been in scintillating form, scoring 26 goals and providing five assists in the Turkish Super Lig. His performances have not gone unnoticed, with several Premier League clubs, including Manchester United, Chelsea, and Liverpool, expressing interest.

Napoli is reportedly open to selling Osimhen at the end of the season. However, meeting their valuation poses a challenge for potential suitors. To navigate this, Manchester United is considering a player-plus-cash deal. While initial reports suggested Rasmus Hojlund could be included in the swap, recent insights indicate that Alejandro Garnacho might be offered instead. Napoli had shown interest in Garnacho during the January transfer window but were deterred by United’s €70 million valuation. Including Garnacho in the deal could facilitate negotiations for Osimhen’s transfer to Old Trafford.

Galatasaray, where Osimhen is currently on loan, is keen to retain him permanently. The Turkish club is reportedly prepared to make significant financial commitments to secure his services. However, they may struggle to meet Napoli’s asking price and the striker’s wage demands, making a move to the Premier League more feasible.

Osimhen’s contract with Galatasaray includes a rare clause that could influence his future. This clause allows him to evaluate offers from other clubs, potentially expediting a move to the Premier League.

As the summer transfer window approaches, Manchester United faces stiff competition for Osimhen’s signature. The club’s ability to structure an appealing deal, possibly involving player exchanges, will be crucial in securing the Nigerian forward to bolster their attacking options.

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