Manchester United & Chelsea Sent Victor Osimhen Transfer Warning by Napoli President

The future of Napoli’s star striker, Victor Osimhen, has been a topic of much speculation in recent months, with Premier League giants Manchester United and Chelsea both reportedly keen on securing his services. With the summer transfer window on the horizon, Napoli’s president, Aurelio De Laurentiis, has sent a clear warning to potential suitors: if you want Victor Osimhen, be prepared to pay top dollar.

Victor Osimhen’s Impressive Loan Spell and Napoli’s Decision to Sell

Victor Osimhen’s journey has been far from straightforward. After a somewhat turbulent spell at Napoli, where he was sidelined in favor of other options, the Nigerian forward looked set for an exit last year. Under the management of Antonio Conte, Victor Osimhen found himself out of favor, with the club making it clear that they were willing to listen to offers. A transfer to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) seemed likely, while Chelsea also showed interest. However, negotiations came to a screeching halt, and the transfer window closed without any movement.

Following the failed transfer, Victor Osimhen found himself unexpectedly loaned out to Turkish side Galatasaray for the 2024/2025 season. In Turkey, he’s been in sensational form, scoring 26 goals in 30 appearances across all competitions, showcasing his undeniable talent and ability to lead the line. His spell at Galatasaray has undoubtedly raised his profile even further, leading many to believe that his time at Napoli is coming to an end, and this summer could mark his permanent departure.

The Situation at Napoli and De Laurentiis’ Warning

With his return to Napoli on the horizon, one of the most crucial questions surrounding Victor Osimhen’s future is whether he will stay with the Serie A side or move elsewhere. Victor  Osimhen’s current contract with Napoli runs until 2026, but despite the long-term deal, it appears the club is ready to part ways with their star player. The €75 million (£62.7 million) release clause in his contract is well-known, but Napoli’s president De Laurentiis is signaling that he is open to selling Osimhen for a lower price this summer, provided the right offer comes in.

According to reports from  Switzerland, De Laurentiis is eager to spark a bidding war for Victor  Osimhen. The club’s primary aim is to maximize the return from his sale, and the interest from clubs like Manchester United and Chelsea could be key in driving up the price. Despite PSG signing Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in January for a hefty €70 million fee, it’s clear that De Laurentiis hopes to extract as much as possible from the sale of Victor Osimhen, who has proven his value with his performances in Turkey.

Chelsea’s Continued Interest

Chelsea remains a potential destination for the 25-year-old striker, who was a target for the club last summer before negotiations collapsed. The Blues have been actively searching for a striker capable of leading their attack, and Victor Osimhen has long been seen as one of their top choices. While they were unable to secure a deal last summer, Chelsea still seems keen on making a move for the Nigerian international.

What could give Chelsea an edge in the race for Victor Osimhen is his personal affinity for the club. His teammate, William Troost-Ekong, recently revealed that Victor Osimhen is a Chelsea fan, which could influence his decision when it comes to choosing his next club. Speaking to talkSPORT, Troost-Ekong said, “I know he’s a Chelsea fan, but I also know he’s had talks with all the top teams. It’s up to him what he chooses. He will fit into every team.” This revelation will undoubtedly excite Chelsea fans, as the prospect of signing a player who already has a soft spot for the club could play a crucial role in securing his signature.

Manchester United Join the Race

As one of the top clubs in the Premier League, Manchester United has also been linked with Victor Osimhen. The Red Devils have been on the lookout for a top-class striker, and the Nigerian forward’s performances have made him an appealing prospect. According to reports, United has added Victor Osimhen to their shortlist of potential striker signings, alongside other high-profile names.

United’s interest in Victor Osimhen is not surprising. The club has been heavily reliant on the likes of Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes for goals this season, but a lack of a proven striker has often left them short of firepower. Victor Osimhen could provide the finishing touch that United has been missing. With the added incentive of securing Champions League football next season, Manchester United will likely be looking to make a big splash in the transfer market this summer, and Victor Osimhen could be a key piece of their attacking puzzle.

What’s Next for Victor Osimhen?

As the summer transfer window looms, Victor Osimhen himself remains uncertain about his future. The Nigerian forward has previously admitted that he is not sure where he will end up once his loan spell with Galatasaray concludes. In an interview last month, Victor Osimhen said, “I still don’t know what the future holds for me.” This uncertainty could be playing a role in the ongoing transfer speculation, as clubs continue to monitor his situation closely.

While his future remains up in the air, one thing is certain: Victor Osimhen’s stock has never been higher. With a superb return to form in Turkey and a high-profile move on the horizon, the striker’s next destination is likely to be one of the most closely watched transfer stories of the summer.

Conclusion: The Race for Victor Osimhen’s Signature

In the coming months, expect the race for Victor Osimhen’s signature to heat up. Napoli is determined to get the best possible deal for their star man, and the involvement of clubs like Chelsea and Manchester United will undoubtedly make for an interesting transfer battle. While Chelsea may hold an advantage due to Osimhen’s personal connection to the club, United’s need for a world-class striker could see them ramp up their pursuit as well.

At the end of the day, the decision lies with Osimhen. He has a wealth of options available, and with both Chelsea and Manchester United vying for his services, the summer transfer window could be the setting for one of the most exciting moves of the year. As the countdown to the transfer window begins, all eyes will be on Victor Osimhen as he weighs his options and decides where his future lies.