Newcastle United have joined Manchester United in the race to sign Napoli striker Victor Osimhen following their Champions League qualification, according to Gazzetta dello Sport (page 16).
The Nigerian star has had a splendid campaign with the Naples outfit. He has scored 28 goals and provided five assists from just 37 appearances across all competitions.
United have been closely following him since last summer but it appears they are set to face huge competition for his services when the transfer window reopens.
Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain are also keen on signing the 24-year-old but there is now fresh competition from Eddie Howe’s side for the talented centre-forward.
The Magpies have reportedly ‘raised their market objectives’ after securing Champions League football and have their sights on a big-money transfer for Osimhen this summer.
United must not lose Osimhen to Newcastle
United have identified Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane as their priority striker target for the summer but there are no assurances that the England star will join them.
Spurs could be reluctant to do business with a direct league rival. Their chairman Daniel Levy could decide to sell him to an overseas club. Real Madrid seem to be interested in Kane.
Osimhen could be United’s fallback option this summer and in our opinion, they must not lose his services to the Magpies, who have ambitious plans under their Saudi owners.
The Magpies are back in the Champions League after two decades but United remain one of the most lucrative clubs for any striker. The big question is whether they can pay the fee.
Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis could hold out for a staggering €160 million to sell Osimhen this summer. United may not make such a hefty outlay without player sales.
The club are also aiming to bolster other key positions. A takeover would change the entire dynamic but as things stand, the asking price could be a potential stumbling block for United.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
