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Manchester United are expected to sign a striker this summer as INEOS look to bolster the team’s goal-scoring options.
One of Ruben Amorim’s biggest challenges has been operating without a clinical finisher, which has meant the inability to convert the many chances his side creates.
Joshua Zirkzee operates more as a playmaker than a traditional striker, while Rasmus Hojlund is yet to establish himself as the prolific goal-scorer United had hoped for.
A striker signing is a matter of ‘who,’ not ‘if’
With United determined to add firepower, former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel has suggested Victor Osimhen as a potential solution.
Osimhen is regarded as one of the most lethal goal poachers in European football.
After a stellar season-long loan at Galatasaray, where he netted 37 goals in 41 appearances, he returns to Napoli but is expected to move on.
Following a fallout with head coach Antonio Conte last summer, the Italian club appear intent on cashing in.
Galatasaray are keen to sign him permanently, while Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal have also expressed interest.
Several Premier League clubs, including United, are monitoring his situation.
Mikel urges Osimhen to choose the Premier League
Reflecting on his compatriot’s future, the former Chelsea star expressed his desire to see the striker move to England rather than Saudi Arabia.
“I hope there is still a Premier League move for him this summer,” Mikel told Metro.
“I don’t want to see him in Saudi right now because he still has so much to offer in Europe. It would be a shame to see him go there.”
Had he been Osimhen’s agent, he admits he would have pushed him towards Stamford Bridge.
“It is a shame he didn’t come to Chelsea, the club he supported as a kid growing up, but they have decided to go in a different direction [signing Liam Delap], which is fine.”
With Chelsea securing Delap, that move now seems highly unlikely.
United need Osimhen more than Arsenal
Mikel believes both Arsenal and United need the 2024-25 Turkish Super League Golden Boot winner but insists United require him more due to their lack of a forward with his attributes.
“I think Arsenal and Manchester United both need a striker. I don’t think [Rasmus] Hojlund is the guy for Manchester United.
“He works hard, but he is not the player who will fire them into the top four or win them trophies. So, for me, Manchester United might be the right destination.”
“Maybe Arsenal, United, Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain are all options. Let’s see what happens.”
Arsenal, however, are unlikely to compete for Osimhen’s signature, with their focus reportedly on securing either Viktor Gyokeres or Benjamin Sesko.
United’s striker search continues, and without Champions League football, landing top targets has proven challenging.
Just recently, they missed out on Liam Delap.
Osimhen might accept a season without Champions League
Despite United’s struggles, Mikel suggests Osimhen may not be discouraged by the club’s absence from Europe’s top competition.
“Maybe he would say, ‘I will give it a season.’ Knowing he is in the squad with a few other signings that Ruben Amorim brings in, the players he wants, it is something Victor might consider. Maybe he would think about sacrificing a season.”
Osimhen’s sharpness in front of goal would undoubtedly strengthen United’s attack.
Can INEOS afford his wages?
Despite his ability, concerns remain over whether INEOS can meet his hefty wage demands.
Nonetheless, with United in desperate need of a clinical forward, one cannot rule out the ex-Lille striker as the final piece in Amorim’s attacking rebuild.
Mikel also revealed that Osimhen feels he has unfinished business in Europe.
“I’ve had a few conversations with him.
“I won’t say much about what those conversations were, but he is working to make sure he ends up in a top, top European league where he can showcase his talent and compete to win the Champions League.”
Osimhen leading the line ahead of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo in Amorim’s United attack next season? That could be something special.
Feature image Ahmad Mora via Getty Images
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