Manchester United have reportedly emerged as one of the frontrunners to sign Napoli's Victor Osimhen in the summer.
Being available at €110m (£94m) if his release clause is met means that Osimhen is set to be one of the sought-after forwards in Europe, especially if his recent uptick in form continues.
After playing a pivotal role in firing Napoli to their first Scudetto in over 30 years last season, Osimhen has become a figure of constant interest regarding a potential move away from Serie A.
Scoring 26 league goals won Osimhen the accolade of Serie A Forward of the Season, while his attacking partner Khvicha Kvaratskhelia won the league's MVP award.
Across all competitions, the Nigerian has scored just 13 so far, but recent weeks suggest that, under new management, Osimhen could add to that tally significantly before May.
After netting a crucial equaliser in their Champions League last-16 first leg against Barcelona, Osimhen also found the net against Cagliari, before scoring a hat-trick away to Sassuolo.
While the reigns of Rudi Garcia and Walter Mazzarri proved disastrous for the champions, and saw Osimhen struggle on top of injury concerns, Francesco Calzona has come in and got Napoli winning again.
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Fine form brings much attention though, and The Independent claims that Man United are one of the favourites to land the 25-year-old come the summer.
Paris Saint-Germain are also said to be interested, considering that Kylian Mbappe is set to leave for Real Madrid.
The two previous transfer windows saw Chelsea and Arsenal also heavily linked with the player, but the situations at both Man United and PSG have strengthened their ambitions to bring a new number nine in as soon as possible.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe's takeover of the footballing side of business at Old Trafford is likely going to lead to an overhaul of the playing staff at Man United, with an emphasis being placed on signing younger talent.
Chelsea were eager to add attackers to their squad, especially after Christopher Nkunku's lengthy injury and the lack of form shown by the likes of Nicolas Jackson and Armando Broja.
Mikel Arteta's Arsenal looked certain to be in the market for a new forward after a shaky spell to finish 2023, but those plans may be shelved after the Gunners recent extraordinary run of form which has seen them break records and move back into title contention.
Osimhen will be back in action for Napoli when the Partenopei welcome Torino to the Maradona in Serie A on Friday.
Andrew Delaney
