Manchester United are likely to make multiple changes to the first-team squad ahead of next season.
The Red Devils have struggled in the Premier League this campaign, and they find themselves 15th in the table with 38 points from 33 games.
The club have lacked the cutting edge upfront, with only 38 goals scored. Manager Ruben Amorim may demand a marquee solution this summer.
According to the Mirror, United have now been given a free shot at signing Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, with Chelsea pulling out of the pursuit.
The Red Devils are pushing ahead with a £40 million move for the 26-year-old, with Amorim having identified him as his top attacking target.
Osimhen has been in stellar form for Galatasaray on loan from Napoli this term. He has registered 30 goals and seven assists from 35 outings.
With his contract expiring in June 2026, United are confident that Napoli will be forced to sell him for a cut-price fee rather than losing him on a free transfer next year.
Osimhen deal unlikely unless United qualify for the Champions League
The Nigerian star has established himself as one of the best centre-forwards in world football.
He came close to joining league rivals Chelsea last summer, but a transfer did not materialise as he was unwilling to accept a significant pay cut.
Fabrizio Romano has since reported that Osimhen is eyeing at least £197,000 per week after tax.
The package would be a huge outlay for the Red Devils, who have recently changed their policy and seem reluctant to overspend on elite players.
In our view, a deal is unlikely at the current point, but the scenario could change completely if the club qualify for the Champions League next term.
The Red Devils are three games away from winning the Europa League, which guarantees a berth in the league phase of the premier competition.
The extra revenue (£85.8 minimum) from this could encourage United to land Osimhen.
No English club is willing to meet Osimhen’s wages at the moment, as per Romano, but the Red Devils could do so with Champions League football.
The former Lille man would be a clear upgrade on Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee.
He is good with his hold-up play and has a shot-to-goal conversion rate of 19 percent. Osimhen has won more than five duels per outing this season.
All of these attributes would suit him well in the Premier League. United should be assured more goals upfront with Osimhen’s better positional sense.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com
