Ruben Amorim given free shot at cut-price Victor Osimhen transfer after rivals rule out move

Manchester United are hoping to sign Napoli striker Victor Osimhen this summer and Chelsea have ruled themselves out of the running for the 26-year-old goalscorer

Manchester United have been handed a boost in their pursuit of Victor Osimhen, with Chelsea reportedly ruling out a move for the forward. Both clubs are in the market for a new striker this summer, having struggled in front of goal so far this season.

United’s frontline strikers Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee have managed just three Premier League goals each, while Chelsea forwards Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku have netted nine and three league goals respectively.

Osimhen is expected to leave Napoli this summer as he enters the final year of his contract, having spent this season out on loan at Galatasaray where he has scored 30 goals in 35 appearances across all competitions.

However, according to a report from the Telegraph, Chelsea are ‘unlikely’ to make a move for Osimhen this summer. The report states that they have ‘attitude concerns’ about the 26-year-old.

Mirror Football understands that United, meanwhile, are pushing ahead with a £40million move for Osimhen after Red Devils boss Ruben Amorim made him his top attacking target for the summer.

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United are confident that they can sign Osimhen for a cut-price fee, with Napoli needing to sell or risk losing him for free next year. Despite United’s financial constraints due to profit and sustainability rules, the club have publicly stated that Amorim will have money to spend.

“We speak to Ruben very frequently,” CEO Omar Berrada told TNT Sports last month. “Ruben has a good relationship with Jason Wilcox. They both share the vision of how they want to see the team playing.

“It is about planning properly for the summer transfer window and having a clear idea of what players we want to bring in. We’re making some big efforts to get us in the best financial position. Even if we’re outside of Europe – I think we will be in a position to invest in the squad.”

And Amorim has previously spoken about how important this summer’s window will be for United. “There are characteristics we don’t have in our squad and we are trying to see about the gaps we have,” Amorim said earlier this month.

“When I say we need ‘big players’ I’m not talking about players from Real Madrid. I am talking about players in the way I see the game. Of course money helps! We need to be really good in recruitment.

“We need to know our system and the way we play – and the players have to be perfect for their positions. So we know what we have to do, that is clear, and we will see next season.

“United is a different context (to Sporting) and a different league but we were in a similar position – and maybe even lower. I was lucky to work with Hugo [Viana] and I find I have more or less the same relationship with Jason. So in that part I am completely relaxed.

“It is different because the competition here is different but, of course, we need to have a great connection. I am really excited for next season and also really stressed because I put a lot of pressure on us.”

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