Napoli Reject Man Utd’s Player Plus Cash Offer for Osimhen

Femi Solaja  with agency report

Ahead of the coming winter transfer window in January, Italian Serie A side, Napoli, have adopted the ‘Dead on Arrival’ attitude to Manchester United’s request  to sign Super Eagles forward, Victor Osimhen.

The Red Devils are offering a player plus cash for the reigning African Player of the Year who is on loan at Turkish side, Galatasaray.

The AFCON 2023 silver medal winner with Nigeria last February in Cote d’Ivoire  has been in fine form for Okan Buruk’s side, scoring eight goals and providing four assists in nine games in all competitions.

Yesterday, Cult of Calcio, an Italian sporting medium, quoted top sources in Naples confirming Manchester United’s interest in Osimhen and the speculated cash plus player offer to Napoli. Specifically, they named Joshua Zirkzee as the player that United are willing to add to the money they are offering Napoli. 

However, Napoli appear not too keen on the offer on the table.

The two-time Italian Scudetto winners want cash payment upfront for the 25-year-old Nigerian striker from any team interested in his services and will hold out for that, even if they have to wait until next summer.

Despite Osimhen and Galatasaray ruling out the possibility of a January departure, Napoli clarified that it will depend on the offers they receive. The suitors will also have to reach an agreement with the Turkish outfit. Another transfer will be possible if a team activates the striker’s reduced release clause of €75m.

Manchester United’s swap deal will see Napoli get €30million plus Zirkzee, a deal that falls short  of their initial target of about €45million.

Additionally, Antonio Conte’s side are not looking for another striker at the moment and are content with Romelu Lukaku’s services.

Rather than tweaking the frontline, Antonio Conte has asked for some reinforcements in the defence. Napoli would need to make sales for that to happen. 

Reports in the Italian outlet also claimed that Chelsea are still interested in Osimhen, but any talks will have to be continued after the season ends in May.