Manchester United are given strong consideration to a move for Victor Osimhen with Arsenal taking the lead in the race to sign Viktor Gyokeres.
Both United and Arsenal are desperate to sign a new centre forward this summer with Sporting CP star Gyokeres a top target for both clubs.
A bitter row between Sporting and the Sweden international has broken out this week, with the player and his representatives convinced the club have broken promises over the fee he will be sold for his summer.
Arsenal’s sporting director, Andrea Berta, met with Sporting officials to discuss a deal this week with an initial approach worth an €55m (£46.8m) plus a further €10m (£8.5m) in add-ons rejected. An improved offer is expected.
While United are still in the picture, Gyokeres’ preference is to join the Gunners where Champions League football will be on offer next season.
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Ruben Amorim’s side have already missed out on their top striker target with Liam Delap opting for a move to Chelsea – with United’s lack of European football next season again a huge factor.
With Arsenal leading the race for Gyokeres, United could now reignite their interest in Osimhen, The Sun report.
Osimhen is set to return to Napoli after a loan spell in Turkey with Galatasaray where he scored 37 goals in 41 appearances.
Talks to join Saudi side Al-Hilal broke down last week with Galatasaray hoping to keep hold of the Nigeria international who would still be keen on a move to the Premier League.
Reports in France meanwhile talks have restarted between Osimhen and United. A salary of €12million-a-year has been discussed, according to Foot Mercato, with his parent club Napoli hoping to secure a fee of €75million.
But United’s failure to win the Europa League could again come back to haunt them. Former Chelsea star John Obi Mikel, Osimhen’s countryman who was involved in negotiations to take him to Stamford Bridge last summer, suggests while the striker could consider a move to Old Trafford, playing in the Champions League is a top priority.
‘I think so,’ Mikel told Metro when asked if a lack of European football could derail United’s chances of signing Osimhen. ‘As the top striker and player I know he is, yes I think that would be a factor.
‘Maybe he would say, “I will give it a season.” Knowing he is in the squad with a few other signings that Ruben Amorim gets in, the players he wants, it is something Victor might consider. Maybe he would think about sacrificing a season.
‘We have to wait and see. But I think we want to see him in the Champions League.’
