Rio Ferdinand believes Victor Osimhen could be ‘waiting’ for a call from Manchester United after turning down a lucrative transfer move to the Saudi Pro League.
United wrapped up their first piece of summer transfer business as they completed a £62.5million deal with Wolves for Matheus Cunha last month.
Bryan Mbeumo has been been heavily linked in recent days on the back of an outstanding season with Brentford and is said to be eager to push through a switch to Old Trafford, despite strong interest from Tottenham.
Signing an out-and-out centre-forward remains an absolute priority on the back of an immensely disappointing campaign for both Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund, who managed a combined total of just seven goals in the Premier League last term.
While Viktor Gyokeres is understood to be high up on United’s wishlist, it’s believed the Sporting and Sweden sensation is intent on playing Champions League football and therefore favours a move to Arsenal.
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The Red Devils were also beaten the signing of Liam Delap earlier this summer, with Chelsea landing the young Ipswich striker for a fee of just £30m.
Assessing the club’s early transfer business on Rio Ferdinand Presents, the legendary ex-United and England defender said: ‘I’m happy with Cunha, he’s one of the ones I mentioned on my list. I hope it goes well for him.
‘The problem is that I’ve been happy many times in transfer windows and it’s gone wrong.
‘I’m hoping he’s not going to be added to that list.
‘If they get Mbeumo, I’d be very happy.’
Ferdinand is confident Mbeumo ‘wants to come’ to United and feels the forward’s Premier League experience will stand him in good stead at the Theatre of Dreams.
Asked why Brentford star is being spoken about as a done deal, Ferdinand replied: ‘Because he wants to come. Mbeumo wants to come, I know it.
‘His stats over the last three seasons in the Premier League are up there, by the way. Goals and assists, goal chances, ridiculous.
‘Again, another proven Premier League player. This is what I like, played in the Premier League. There ain’t no adjustment business.
‘The only thing is there will be adjustment because of the size of the club.
‘They don’t have to do that when they go to Arsenal! There ain’t that pressure, the badge ain’t as heavy! It’s heavy, but it’s not as heavy!’
Asked who else he would like to see join United this summer, Ferdinand replied: ‘No.9, they already know who I want. The comments know, the people know who I want, who I would go and get: Osimhen!
‘It looks like he’s turned down Al-Hilal… he must be waiting for Manchester United.
‘I don’t know if Manchester United are going to come. That’s the problem.’
Osimhen is expected to move on from Napoli this summer having spent last season on loan at Galatasaray, where he scored 37 goals in all competitions to help the club to a domestic double.
Al-Hilal had reportedly reached an agreement with Napoli to sign Osimhen, only for the prolific Nigeria international to turn down the move.
It’s understood Osimhen – who has a £64m release clause with Napoli – is determined to continue playing in one of Europe’s top leagues.
Osimhen has just one year remaining on his current contract in Naples.
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