Manchester United are reportedly pursuing Napoli striker Victor Osimhen in a transfer that could see Joshua Zirkzee, the struggling Red Devils forward, head in the opposite direction.
Osimhen, currently on loan at Galatasaray from Napoli, has impressed during the 2024-25 season with eight goals and four assists in nine appearances for the Turkish club. Despite speculation, the 25-year-old’s loan is expected to continue until the end of the season, with no plans for an early termination in January.
The Nigerian international was sidelined by Napoli after failing to secure a permanent transfer last summer. Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain were among the European clubs linked with him, while lucrative offers from Saudi Arabia were rejected as Osimhen prioritized staying in European football.
Chelsea and Arsenal are reportedly still interested, but Manchester United are now firmly in the race. The Red Devils are said to be considering including Zirkzee in negotiations to tempt Napoli into a deal.
Journalist Gerardo Fasano, speaking to Area Napoli, revealed that United’s new head coach, Ruben Amorim, is eager to add Osimhen to his squad. Osimhen remains under contract with Napoli until the summer of 2026.
“Manchester United is said to be on the trail of Victor Osimhen. I have been told that the English, through mister Amorim, could include the former Bologna striker Zirkzee in the negotiations for Osimhen,” he said.
“Zirkzee could help [Romelu] Lukaku find himself. Money plus Zirkzee for Osimhen. Amorim has understood that Sporting Lisbon could ask too much for [Viktor] Gyokeres and is testing the waters for Osimhen.
“Zirkzee might not be the ideal striker for the coach. The former Bologna player would instead help Lukaku next season: the two would form an important pair. However, Juventus is also interested in Zirkzee and can count on Thiago Motta, a coach who has greatly enhanced the player.”
Manchester United are in dire need of a new striker next summer, as their current senior forwards, Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund, have struggled to deliver, managing just three goals between them in the ongoing season.
Zirkzee’s form has been particularly disappointing, with his last goal coming on the opening day of the 2024-25 Premier League campaign. Hojlund, despite showing promise, has netted just once in England’s top flight this term.
Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyökeres has emerged as United’s primary target, with the Swedish international even hinting at a potential move to Old Trafford. However, Osimhen is being considered as a strong alternative.
Osimhen boasts an impressive record of 76 goals and 18 assists in 133 matches for Napoli and has continued his fine form at Galatasaray this season, scoring eight goals in nine appearances while on loan.
With Zirkzee yet to prove his long-term value at Old Trafford, a swap deal involving the Dutch forward and Osimhen could be mutually beneficial if Napoli express interest. This approach could provide United with a proven goal-scorer and offer Zirkzee a fresh start in Italy.
