Manchester United have apparently experienced a pushback in the pursuit of Victor Osimhen after Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis revealed who he believes can afford to sign his priced asset.
Osimhen was menacing in attack for Napoli last term, scoring 31 goals and providing 5 assists in 39 appearances.
The Nigerian ended up as the Serie A top scorer and he helped the Neapolitans win the Serie A, for the first time in 33 years.
Following his remarkable performance last season, Victor Osimhen has been linked with a move away from Naples.
The former Wolfsburg forward, who joined Napoli from Lille in 2020 for £69 million has been in the news all summer for a possible move to top clubs in Europe.
Manchester United, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Paris Saint Germain amongst others have been linked with the 24-year-old.
Can Manchester United afford Victor Osimhen?
However, due to the staggering price tag that has been slammed on Victor Osimhen, it appears the Red Devils might have to find other alternatives in the transfer market.
The Nigeria International’s contract comes to an end in the summer of 2025 and Napoli aren’t currently perturbed by that.
The Neapolitans presumably have the upper hand in negotiation, given the years remaining in Osimhen’s contract.
Aurelio De Laurentiis, who has been ascribed by many to be a tough negotiator has seemingly shown that via his comments in an interview this week.
The Italian has said that Victor Osimhen will remain with the club, unless an irresistible offer comes for the Nigerian.
He expressed his thoughts that only Paris Saint Germain can snap up his priced asset this summer.
Speaking with Mediaset, De Laurentiis said: “The only club that could afford Victor Osimhen is Paris Saint-Germain.
“If Nasser Al Khelaifi [PSG president] wants to send in a bid around £170m, we wait and we see what happens. I personally think that Victor will stay here.”
Victor Osimhen scored 26 goals to win the capocannoniere gong, becoming the first African player to achieve such a feat.
Will Osimhen play for Napoli next season?
The forward who has been seen enjoying his holiday across Nigeria is apparently facing the possibility of remaining in Naples next term.
Manchester United have also begun to search for alternatives in the transfer market, following the seeming deadlock in the pursuit of Victor Osimhen.
Erik Ten Hag’s side have also faced similar response from Tottenham Hotspur, who also have a shrewd businessman as owner.
Daniel Levy is reportedly unwilling to sell Harry Kane to a Premier League club as he prefers to sanction a move abroad.
Despite the thought of losing him for free next summer, Levy is seemingly unfazed by the situation.
In light of this, Manchester United have shifted their attention to burgeoning Atalanta forward Rasmus Hojlund.
However, the 20-time English top-flight league champions are also experiencing some difficulty in signing the youngster.
Erik Ten Hag’s side do not have the latitude to fork out much cash this summer, due to Financial Fair Play regulations.
After snapping up Mason Mount from Chelsea for £65 million, the English giants are also set to set Andre Onana from Inter Milan for an amount in the region of £50 – £55 million.
Are there alternatives for Manchester United in the transfer market?
This has left Manchester United with little money remaining to doll out in the transfer market.
Presently, Rasmus Hojlund is the priority target in the transfer market and he is a player that is still at the commencing phase of his career.
He is tall, quick and has a great super imposing build and he has been likened to Manchester City’s Erling Haaland.
Hojlund scored 9 goals and provided 4 assists in 32 appearances last season for Atalanta in the Serie A, but it is uncertain if he can make that big leap to the Premier League and perform optimally.
Only time will tell if Manchester United can acquire the 20-year-old this summer as he is reportedly in the plans of Erik Ten Hag for the upcoming season.
